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| Commodore |
Last year was tough on sailors. By the time you get this, we will have buttoned-up the Club for winter. But, for many of us the season ended prematurely due to lack of water. Sorry about those of you stuck in the mud. The good news is that you will be the first in in the spring! Fall sailing at ECSC is a treat that I look forward to every year. The air is crisp, the colors fantastic, and the wind usually reliable after fighting the “puffs” of summer. Each day of Fall sailing delays the arrival of the dark days of winter. But we missed this year.
So to with management of the Club. We can do little about weather or when things decide to break or when people move on. We try and make sure that our property is well maintained (and insured). In our budgets, we set aside money “for a rainy day.” We work off of a long term capital plan (thanks Evan) to forecast future capital expenditures. We also try and have a succession plan for each of our officers and committee heads. In theory, each year one or more volunteers serves as assistant or adjunct or just plain worker-bee for the folks with responsibilities so that when they get transferred, burnt out, or take up golf, we have someone at least vaguely familiar with the tasks at hand. That means we need lots of volunteers. And so, the annual Commodores' request – please help us if you can. Opportunities are available under each department and all it takes is an “ask.”
Something else I'd like to touch on lightly. Each of the officers, committee heads, and board members is a volunteer...not an employee. We all like to bitch. I know that I am a champion bitcher. I can out bitch just about anybody. We don't mind a little bitching from time to time about Club matters. But sometimes, the bitching can cross the line...particularly when the bitchee is a volunteer. Please keep that in mind. Above: Tim with his son Derek (right) and buddy Chris...crew with Tim at the Highlander Nationals last year So now, I guess we hunker down and get through the winter. Who knows, we may even get some hockey in. I do have a request for any of you lucky enough to get south for some sailing. Drop me a note about the trip. I would like to keep track and share with other members.
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| Social |
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I would just like to thank everyone for all of their help this year in hosting the socials for ECSC (event leaders shown below). The season flew by and now we can all hunker down for the winter and recall the good times we shared and look forward to the spring. I would like to thank Rich and Pat Killen for hosting the Chili Cook Off in October. With Roger Knapp's help, the chili’s stayed hot for tasting and we had a good variety to try. The Final Bash was lots of fun and I want to thank Rich and Angie White for assisting me with the setup. Thanks also to Evan for the slide show. Hope you all have a great holiday season and will see you next spring!
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| The Heat Was On |
 The 2007 Chili Cookoff was held on Saturday evening October 6th and the heat was on and it wasn’t in the chili pots! It was 88 degrees...which we believe is a record for this event which is annually held in October and usually with much much cooler temperatures. But, we carried on as usual and set up for the chili entrants who numbered six this year...versus 15 last year. Editors Note: The actual number of entrants was 7, but the Killen's couldn't quite bring themselves to count one potential entrant who brought the chili but hadn't yet removed it from the cans! Thanks to all the brave souls who came out and participated and entered their favorite chili in the contest. Believe it or not, the temp did cool down and those who were present enjoyed the festivities well.
Right: 1st Prise winner Katie with a trophy
Thank you to Roger Knapp and Linda & Greg Johnson for your help.
The winners were:
1st prize: Katie Williams
CU next year........
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| Harbormaster |
 Let me start my first article as Harbormaster by thanking Bill Harrington for all of his hard work over the previous two years as Harbormaster. Bill has served the membership of ECSC well. I will do my best to serve the Club in the best manner that I can. Ralph Merriman will be serving as Assistant Harbormaster this year. If you have any questions or need to discuss an ECSC issue with me, I can be reached at rgraef at indy.rr.com or cell 213-3366.
Right: Bob, Rick, Rick, and Rob shoring up a dock
For those who don’t know me, I’ve been in the Club for several years and have been Assistant Harbormaster and Assistant Safety and Education as well as coaching our juniors both here and on the road (Lake Michigan, Lake Erie, and several other smaller lakes). Both of my kids (RJ and Austin) race for ECSC on the Junior Race Team. Our family sails our Hunter 26 here and on occasion on Lake Erie and Lake Michigan. I also actively race on just about any boat I can race on. Last year I sailed with Bob and Janet Hickock on “Spontaneous Combustion,” on “Sue” (a Farr 42), and also in several Laser, Vanguard 15, and 420 regattas.
Thanks to the Club members that came out for the work party on November 3rd. It only took about two hours to put the Club to bed for the winter. Good work all! Work credits will be processed soon.
Winter storage is still $60 per boat for the whole season. The cutoff date is whenever I get there the first weekend of December. If your boat is there then, you will be charged. Used boat batteries or hazardous material should not be disposed of in the dumpster!! Every year we find batteries improperly disposed of. DON’T DO IT!!!! We wouldn’t want to lose our trash contract because of carelessness.
Left: Our current 6' water level drop
Seriously, the best place on the Northwest Side for Marion County residents is run by the city at Trader’s Point Tox Drop...located at 7400 N. Lafayette Road between the DOT salt barn and Farm Bureau Co-Op. They’re open the first and third Saturday of each month between 9am and 2pm. They accept all Hazardous Waste. Any questions, call them at 327-4869.
The Club-opening spring work party is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, March 29th at 9am. Updates will be in future telltales.
DON’T FORGET FEB 29th!!!!!
It’s not fun being on the Slip Wait List more than once.
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| Racing |
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Congrats to all of our ECSC sailors who competed in the 2007 Racing Season!! The top finishers in the various fleets were awarded trophies in the form of plaques by Chris Cunningham and Mike Irwin, 2007 Chair and Co-Chair, respectively. Kudos to them for their three YEARS of service to the Club in that capacity...as well as to Nick Marson who has been (and will be) our official scorekeeper.
Racing’s most prestigious award, "Sailor of the Year" was awarded most appropriately to the late Mr. Rick Ahrbecker in care of his loving wife, Nancy. Rick’s "Steady as She Goes" attitude toward the sport of sailboat racing was two-fold: a love of healthy competition and a love of lending wisdom and experience to ECSC’s novice racers be they youngsters, lady sailors, or new boat owners. As well, Mr. Ahrbecker was awarded "Sailor of the Year" in its inaugural year. It is only fitting that from this point forward, this award shall be renamed the Rick Ahrbecker Sailor of the Year. Rob and I would like to take this opportunity to meet, greet, and create goals for the 2008 Racing/Sailing Season. Racers and non-racers alike, please join us in an informal meeting to be held at Sailboats Inc. on Wednesday, January 16th at 6:50pm. Bring a chair, snack, and your ideas along. DON’T FORGET!! THE "AFTER-THANKSGIVING REGATTA" more commonly known as the "Biggest Turkey" Regatta will be held November 23rd. Meet at 11am or so. BYOB (Bring your own boat)...or not. Just bring SOMETHING!!
Right: How we'll be racing next year unless our water comes back
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| Sailboats, Inc |
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Winter is a great time to stop by Sailboats, Inc. We have more time to talk
and discuss your individual sailboat needs. We just started stocking
Latitudes and Attitudes Magazines and have all three seasons of their
television show available for purchase on DVD. This magazine is dedicated
to the cruising lifestyle and we highly recommend it.
Also new at Sailboats, Inc is the Open Bic Sailboat (shown below). It was named boat of the year in 2006 and was just approved last week by ISAF as an International Class. Its design targets youth sailors under the weight of 150 pounds and is very exciting to sail. Stop by to see it.
By the time you get the Jan/Feb issue of the Telltales, we will have become
a Hobie dealer. Hobie has a ton
of new sailboats...many of which to join our growing stock in the spring. If you see one (or two)
you think you would like, let us know and it will be considered for stock.
If you don't have time to drop by this winter, be sure to drop in our
fabulous website. It's updated often with
something new.
At this time, we would like to thank all of the Eagle Creek Members, their
families and the board for all of the support we received in our first year
learning the new business. It is very rewarding for us to see all the new
ECSC members who bought their first boat at Sailboats, Inc. this year on
the water enjoying the lifestyle and to see many of you at the final Bash
enjoying the camaraderie that only Eagle Creek has.
Stop by and see us this winter...don't let us get bored!
317-872-7845
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| Rick Ahrbecker Remembered |
Do not stand at my grave and weep,I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
When you wake in the morning hush,
of quiet birds in circling flight. Above: Rick modeling his Ship's Store apparel with Shaun & Emily
Do not stand at my grave and weep,I am not there. I do not sleep. ~Author: Joyce Fossen I hope this brings peace to the hearts of all who mourn the loss of our dear and beloved friend, the late Rick Ahrbecker. He loved his family, and he loved his sailing club and all its members. May God rest his soul.
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| Noel "Skip" Downing Remembered |
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Skip had a Catalina 22 "White Bird" but sailing is not what I remember most about him. When we owned Sailboats Inc, Skip would come into the shop to talk about service work or whatever. We once heard him referred to as "Skippy." I asked him if that was because he was the skipper of his sailboat, and he said "Oh, heavens no." He was a pilot in WWII and flew over Burma. One night, during a blinding monsoon, his plane was stacked up over the airfield waiting to land. He had been circling for some time while other planes landed. When he had worked his way down, the storm got worse, and they couldn't see the airfield, so they pulled up to go around again. He was told by the tower that he had one more opportunity to put it down, otherwise, he had to go ditch the plane and jump out. His crew said "What do we do now, Skippy?" He told them he wasn't jumping out, and they were going down until they hit the dirt. "Skippy" stuck with him. Skip stood at our front counter and told this story as if it had happened yesterday. We were honored to know him. Editor's Note: Long time ECSC member Noel Downing passed away October 29th at the age of 86.
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| Catalina 22 Fleet News |
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This is a calling to all Eagle Creek Sailing Club Catalina 22 owners who may be interested in re-building the Catalina 22 One Design Fleet in our little neck of the woods. I am currently contacting other Indiana-based sailing clubs to build-up the interest in Catalina 22 one design racing, including owners in Brookville, Muncie, Indianapolis, Lafayette, Bloomington, and Wauwausee. The goal is to build enough interest to support inter-club competition, and weekend cruises, with other Catalina 22 owners in our state.
1. You will feel welcomed and encouraged to participate. In addition, there will be many opportunities to organize and participate in C22 weekend cruises within the region. Including the weeklong C22 Great Lakes Cruise, and a weekend trip to the Lake Erie Islands. In 2006, 13 Catalina 22s participated in the ECSC Regatta - one of the largest one design starts at the Club in years. 10 of the boats came from out of state and a few as far away as Tennessee and Florida. Above: Cassie & Carly with Bob at the Bash I am promoting this now to build the Hoosier fleet for 2008. Whether you race, or cruise, this invitation is for you. For more information, or to share your interest, please contact me at rich_fox at yahoo.com or by phone at 317-815-8599.
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| Bailer's Tips & More |
I had called in a favor from the ghost of Captain Teach, aka Black Beard. He knocked on the door of the men's room...my temporary quarters since Black Sam stole the Queen Anne’s Revenge. We laughed, shook hands, head butted, and then wandered out and sat down in the shelter house. I poured him a tall rum. I waited. Then after a few long draws on his mug, I told him we needed to rid our Club of these pesky pirates and to reclaim our ship the Queen Anne’s Revenge. He was hip to this idea...other than the part of it being our ship. He boasted he stole it fair and square and I was just his little cabin boy taking care of his Ship. I told him his ship had long been under the Atlantic waves and the boat I refereed to was a replica with upgrades. I assured him I had built it with the same very pinchers that hunt and peck out this tale; he was quiet...almost as if he understood.
Right: Joe presented the Sportsmanship Award by Bob at the Bash
After I had refilled his mug several times, he stood straight and tall (around 6’7” in pirate boots). He put one hand on his cutlass, raised his mug and declared, “Where lies the QAR2 (Queen Anne’s Revenge 2)? I pointed to the bobbing light in Crappie Cove and he said, “You got any Inviso Spray 5,000?” I said no, but I think ACE carries it. So, off we went and bought all they had in stock. If you are not familiar with Inviso Spray 5,000, listen up. It is one heck-of-a-product. What it does, and don’t ask me how, but if you spray it on something, say anything, the object becomes invisible to the naked eye. Case in fact...so invisible that a few years ago the company had a huge ad campaign under way. They covered all their inventory with Inviso Spray 5,000 to show how effective it was. A senior vice president of the company panicked and called the police the next day and told them the entire warehouse had been robbed. The police investigated and after a few days realized that the warehouse had not been robbed, but the product was invisible. The advertising firm was promptly fired and they had to spray the entire warehouse with primer so they could find their product to relabel. Insurance did not cover any of the expenses...something about an “act of moron” clause.
Left: Brad with his Party Trophy
I asked Teach why did we need Inviso Spray 5,000. He explained that he was disgusted with all these pirates lurking and he was just trying to help rid us of the problem so he could head back to Bath, NC to check on his buried treasure. I then asked him again...why we needed all this Inviso Spray 5,000 and he laughed...then had a coughing fit and then fell asleep. Black Beard is feared throughout the ages, but I think his snoring has caused more damaged than all his piracy. I quickly grabbed a stick and poked him in the ribs to wake him up. I asked him what his plan was. He said simple, you will row out to the QAR2 and git yerself caught real good by the pirates. You will fight back, but then give in and tell them Capin’ Tatch will soon be on their trail 'cause he and I were best of buds. Then, when they torture me to find out where his treasure is buried, I should let them torture me even more for dramatic affect. He suggested I let it go on and on and after awhile, I will then act like it's too much and tell them it's in the Dry Tortugas...but, there is a map somewhere in Key West. That is all I know...and then I am to pass out.
I was not sold on this plan, but I followed through and it worked like a charm. If you ever want to know if a thumbscrew hurts, yes it does! The next morning, all the Queen Anne’s Revenge was empty and none other than my long lost cousin Tailer shook me awake. He told me the whole lot of pirates had set off for Key West searching for the map to Black Beard's treasure. He explained he was just trying to keep them at bay and apologized for gunnel hauling me and stealing my boat.
Not five minutes later, a boat tied up to the QAR2 and on climbed Black Beard. He laughed and laughed, "Those damn fool pirates fell for it. It was a risky plan but by my first love, the sea, it worked." He continued, "Thanks to Bailer and Tailer, I could not have done it without you. Years and years this has been going on and now I can finally go to an undisclosed location and check on my treasure."
Teach glared at me and said, “Who put that fool idea into your head?” and then all went black...I think right after he hit me with an oar. When I woke up, I was on the back deck and Teach was at the helm - Tailer standing beside him smoking a pipe. I again raised my head and asked Captain Teach why did we need all the Inviso Spray 5,000.
He replied, “Where’s your sense of fun boy?” and asked Tailer for the oar. Everything went black once again. I woke again and raised my entire body from the deck while making sure I was an oar's length away from Teach...and asked him for some tips. He smiled and said, "Tips? I have some tips for ya."
1. Whenever I try to rally my crew, I steal a bit of Shakespeare’s St. Crispens Day Speech. I tailor it a bit for each situation, but it always works like a charm. My favorite bit goes something like this: We few, we happy few, we band of brothers; For he today who sheds his blood with me shall be my brother; be he ne'er so vile.
2. Check on your boat when it’s in harbor or on trailer. And, if you see another sailor with problems, let em know.
3. Spraying down your cooler with Inviso Spray 5,000 will save you a King’s Ransom in cool drinks.
4. Take care of all your boat chores that can be done ashore during the coming winter darkness...at least the stuff that can be done beside the fire.
5. Hook up with some of the hearty souls who brave the winter to sail. Heck, even in February we have at least one day that is 60 degrees...or so I am told.
6. Although I be a pirate, I will not forget a fellow sailor. Ye all be my friends...even Bailer.
Kind Regards and tack well.....
The Bailer
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| Membership |
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Hello everyone, I'm Pete Combs your new Membership Chairman. It's time (self imposed) for Rich Fox to take a well-deserved break from Membership Chair. He has done a fantastic job and continues to help and guide me along the way. I gratefully accept and definitely need his expertise. I look forward to working with all the current and new members and the challenges Membership brings. Your 2008 Annual Dues and Fees Statement will be mailed out in mid-January. These dues and fees are due on Friday, February 29, 2008. If you do not receive your statement by February 1st, please call me at 317-745-7230. Your statement will be mailed to the last known address for you in the Membership Database. If your address has changed, get it to me by January 1st. The ecsc_membership at yahoo.com will get to me.
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| Safety & Education |
2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials Finn ClassPhil Tate finished 24th out of 42 boats with a best finish of 17th. The trials were mostly a light air 16-race series. The Newport Harbor YC, with a very large staff of race people and the help of US sailing judges, put on the best show. A Canadian measurer and I worked 3-10 hour days looking over the boats...all passed. The YC put us up in a beach house that had room for 12 people. This was going 1st class all the way. “O” by the way, the YC has over 160 juniors in their program year-round.
Lake Lemon Junior Racing Report Above: Becca Launching at Lake Lemon
Junior Fleet NewsTwo of our ECSC Juniors are going to the Orange Bowl in Miami, Florida this year. Cody McCoun and George Jerman are using a 420 from ISC. We still have openings for three juniors to go. Last date to sign up is November 30th with the US Sailing guys. On two other notes: Cody will be 18 in December and will not be on the team next year. Word has it she is going on to college next year...maybe in the South. George will time out on the Junior Race Fellow Scholarship Program at the end of this year. We hope that he will join the Club. Good luck to both.
Junior Calendar Orange Bowl, Miami, December 27-30, 2007 ISC Laser Regatta early April, 2008 Weekend Warrior, April 26/27, 2008
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| Club Finances |
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I had written another column for my initial communication, but I have recently received some information that led me to believe that our Officers and Board may not have done a good enough job of maintaining transparency of the Club’s money matters. Please remember that all Board and Executive Committee meetings are open to all members. Below is a summary of the 2008 budget for your review. I am happy to announce that for the third year in a row, we were able to avoid any increase in dues or fees!.
Right: Commodore Tim with Lady Ardy at the Bash
For example...last year. We had forecasted for a number of years that we would eventually need to replace the primary Race Committee pontoon boat and the crash boat. After a lot of thought and not just a few heated discussions, a decision was made to avoid doing this on the cheap. The thought was that by spending more on the front end for higher quality, we could avoid year-to-year ongoing maintenance and upkeep costs. Because much of this work is done by volunteers, not all members see this. For example, I have lost track of the number of times we have refurbished the Boston Whaler usually at no cost to the Club other than materials. But at some point, we have to be concerned about burning out our volunteers.
I have recently heard about some ill-informed rumors about the cost of the new boats. Here is the actual cost breakdown:
Race Committee Pontoon $21,274.80 Caribe Safety Boat/Motor $14,266.86 Road King Trailer $ 3,251.69 Shore Station $ 3,044.94
Except for sales taxes (which we frankly overlooked), the project was brought in on budget.
I have also heard that there is some question as to whether Sailboats, Inc. profited on this project at the expense of the Club. Whoa! Sailboats, Inc. donated space, use of its tools and facilities, labor, free transportation, free project consulting and advice, and sold us parts at cost. A big Bravo Zulu to them for their contribution (that’s the Navy flag signal for "well done").
 This year, we hope to increase the rainy day fund by a small amount. There are anticipated future expenses coming and there are always the unanticipated expenses that bite us from time to time. The point is that all of this financial data is available to any Club member who wants to see it. Even better, all members are welcome to actively participate as the Club always benefits from input representing a variety of viewpoints. See you at the Liar’s Table. 2008 Summary Budget
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| Another Financial Note |
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It's getting near the end of the year...both calendar and for most, financial. Looking for relief on your income tax burden for this year? Look no further than your local Sailing Club! A 501c3 Foundation is available for donations to our Club. So far, most donations have been made toward our Youth Sailing Program...in the form of boats and/or trailers. If the donated models don't fit the youth fleet profiles, we'll fix them up and sell them...proceeds going to the program. And, I'm sure the Racing folk wouldn't turn down donations either. Anyone got a better storage barn to donate? And, you'll get documentation to write off the value against your taxable income! I'm sure contacts to Wayne and Janet will be responded to quickly!
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Above: Social Chair Linda with Greg
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2007 Social Calendar, Click Here.
2007 Racing Calendar, Click Here.
2007 Overall Club Calendar, Click Here.
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| Click to view Sailboats, Inc's website. | |
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| Click to view Old Bob's website. | |
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| Eagle Creek Sail Club ECSC Home Page |
If you are interested, you can expect the following:
I asked Captain Tatch (Teach aka Black Beard) what we were going to do with all these cans of Inviso 5,000. He turned to me, laughed, and drove straight into the gin pole...which pretty much totaled my Country Squire. Note to self: pirates can navigate a sailboat around the most complex coral reef formations. However, this does not qualify them to drive a car! Another lesson learned! I am becoming so wise, I can hardly wait to become wiser. Or, do I dread the wisdom just waiting around the corner to jump me like a pirate on merchant ship?
I lifted my head off the rum sodden deck and said, "Bath?" 
Each year, the Club receives income in the form of dues and fees. Expenses come in three primary categories: First, a considerable amount is spent on the maintenance and upkeep of the physical facility including a rent payment to the Parks Department. Second, funds are spent on programs and departments (racing, social, and safety and education are the big ones). Finally, we try to set aside something each year in a "rainy day fund" to handle big ticket items (think dock replacement) that we know are coming in future years. For the latter, we have developed a long range projected capital budget. This "crystal ball" is by no means perfect, but it does give us an idea of the prudent amounts to set aside. In some years, the amount in the rainy day fund goes up. But, in those years where we actually pay for a forecasted cost, the fund does down.