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| Commodore |
We ate some awesome food provided by Big Earls Catering (formerly known as Avon Catering) then we danced until the ‘cows came home’ ...well, maybe it was until the DJ got tired of watching a bunch of old fogies bounce around. DJ Joe Hoaglin kept the music hopping enough to make my legs hurt for days. My thanks go out to Mrs. Commodore Edna who planned the whole event. We could not have done it without our set up crew which included Edna, Patty Kaschak, Edna’s cousin Hilda Fry, and Bob Bodish. I should mention that the hot air of Bob Hickok and Mike Kaschak inflated the palm trees at the front of the pavilion.
Due to circumstances beyond our control, at the time of this writing, it looks like we will not have the luxury of parking our trailers at what we know as the Trailer Farm due to zoning issues. Vice Commodore Evan Williams is hard at work trying to procure something for next year. Thanks Evan!
Highlander Row
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| Social |
For those of you who missed it, the Commodore’s Dinner Dance (Luau) was great. Edna and Rick did a fantastic job of decorating the Club and creating a luau ambience. Edna and Christy were even giving hula lessons.Up next is the Labor Day Cookout, on Monday, September 5th hosted by Rich and Angie White. The dinner bell will ring at 5pm. The Club provides beverages, hamburgers, and hot dogs. We ask everyone attending to bring a covered dish to share. On Saturday, September 24th, we will be having a bonfire at the lower shelter with burgers, hotdogs, and smores provided by the Club. Again, please bring a covered dish to share. We are also having a DJ and plan to camp out the same evening. So, bring your chairs, your tent and sleeping bags, and pray for clear skies. That will leave us with two more events for the season – the Chili Cookoff and the Final Bash. Start perfecting those chili recipes now! This is my last year as the social chairperson and nominations for the Board will be submitted at the September Board meeting. If you are interested in serving the Club either as a board member and/or chairing one of the committees (social?), please let one of the current Board Members know so we can get your nomination on the slate for the Annual meeting.
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| Harbormaster |
Club ImprovementsThe Dry Parking Area in the East parking lot (Highlander area) was re-graveled. Thanks to Bob Bodish, Bill Harrington, and Rick Graef for their hard work in the heat. If you have a boat in that area, please check it. We placed them back as well as we could to your tie downs, but did not tie them. A new temporary tractor/car port was erected by the gravel crew and Wayne Myers. Thanks, again. Look for new big plastic trash cans on the grounds. Thanks CW Richey. Swing set, fire hydrant boxes, and the mailbox got a fresh coat of paint. Thank members Barb Drew and Tony Wright for the improvements.
Upcoming Items Paved walkway from the beach to the grass area. Looking for volunteers to help with the install...September 1st. Call me if you can help 698-4666. Keep an eye on the water level, so far so good. |
| Racing |
Governor’s Cup Regatta Don’t miss Eagle Creek’s BEST regatta of the year. It is our largest with more than 40 boats expected to participate. Notice of Race and Registration Forms were mailed in the August Telltales and are available on-line (and in the Race Bulletin Board). There’s a $5 discount for all that pre-register. A welcome party, sponsored by the Highlander Fleet, for the participants will be Friday evening (September 9th) starting at 7pm. Saturday Registration closes at 10:30am, Skippers’ meeting is at 11:00am, and the first race starts at 12:30pm. Catered dinner begins at 6:30pm. All ECSC Members are welcome. Dinners are $12 each. See Chris Cunningham or Bruce Cameron, regatta co-chairman for dinner tickets.
5 for 5 Regatta
September Race Assignments
Note: Picture at left is a winning team at Flippy-Cup at the ECSC Regatta. Smooth Sailing......
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| View From the Back of the Pack |
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When racing a sailboat against truly excellent sailors, even a few seconds lost in a sloppy tack, overstanding the mark, etc. can mean losing a couple of boat lengths to your racing competitors. Take a recent Wednesday night race for example. On the way out to the Committee Boat while pulling up the engine (don’t need the extra drag), I reached through the backstay “v” and my cell phone popped off of my belt and made a quick, sickening “plop” into 30 feet of Eagle Creek brown water.
Carol, our intrepid bow crew person, who has been reading North U’s “Sail Trim,” attached the topping lift to the nearby spreader prior to the start. She read where it is supposed to save a few seconds getting the pole up for the downwind run. After finally turning back to port to head for the first mark, the jibsheet got caught on the pre-rigged topping lift and took some additional time to clear it (more time lost). Approaching the windward mark, we realized that our tack may come up a little short. Generally, if we have enough speed, we can do a “dipsy-doodle” and head into the wind to clear the mark and then turn downwind. Our dipsy fell short and we hit the mark. We didn’t just hit it, we made love to the damn thing. It hit on the port bow and came out on the starboard stern quarter (Is that considered a “port rounding”?). Anyway, after our 360 for that blunder, we were ready to hoist the spinnaker but the rigging was set for a port side pole and we needed a starboard side. The downwind mark was quickly approaching and we decided to simply forget it and go with the main and genoa (Some more boat lengths lost). Heading back to windward we were comfortable with our other usual back-of-the-packers as company. Somehow. we got a nice lift and picked up a couple of boat lengths. But the Highlanders were catching us and we had to yield room to Tim Hollingsworth blasting along with an overlap. The reach back downwind was one of holding-our-own.
We missed. The last leg to windward was fairly good and we crossed the finish line grateful to have this one over. The friendship and camaraderie back at the Liar’s Table is always a cheerful respite to any frustrating race and we were grateful to be there. Bill Harrington’s hot dogs are just the best. Even though these kind of races happen, we still learned a few things, have a few more stories to tell, and laughed through it all. After all, it’s just a Wednesday night race...a welcome stepping stone to help us all get through the work week. So, if you are thinking of racing but despise the thought of being last, come on out. You’ll probably beat us. |
| Membership |
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Please welcome new member Ed Ahlbrand to our Club. Ed is from Indianapolis and sails the Southcoast 21 "Surfer." Welcome Ed! Membership Count: 258
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| Tag Article |
Hi Sailors and friends, Barb and Joe Traub reporting with a tag article. We were tagged by our neighbor and friends, The Black Family. Our sailing adventure started at Purdue in 1971. My roommate had acquired a Styrofoam Snark which we would tie to the top of his TR-3 and proceed to Roth Park on Lake Freeman for a day of sailing. Somehow, I met Barb that year and was able to impress her with my sailing skills. Shortly thereafter, she decided to become my bride. After graduation, a present to ourselves was a Sears Sunflower. We still have that Sunflower. Other than a new sail about ten years ago, the boat has held up well after 31 years. It’s been a good introductory boat for our three kids and their friends.
At the same time, our local grocer, a guy by the name of Joe Turns, was looking for crew to race on his S2 7.9, Fast Lane. He convinced Barb that it would really help my sailing skills, so off I went. What he didn’t tell her was that it would also enhance my party skills as well! We always started the spring racing season at Lake Monroe and would return for the Governor’s cup in the fall. The people at Bloomington were great hosts and we always had a great time there. During one summer, we did a Queen’s Cup Race across Lake Michigan. We were joined by some sailor from Indy, Tony Hubbard. Little did I realize that our paths would cross again.
ECSC is a great sailing club. The friendships, experiences, and events have provided us with many enjoyable memories. We encourage each of you to participate at your own level of comfort, but remember the words of the great Ex-Hoosier philosopher, Kenny Chapman, “THE CLUB IS NOT YOUR MOTHER” !! |
| Ladies' For Sail |
Yet another successful annual Ladies’ Regatta was held earlier this month. Much thanks to all those volunteers who helped with the logistics. No thanks goes this year to Mother Nature who threw her finest balmy doldrums at us full force to the tens.After only one race around the pins, we had a pleasant raftup with all the hors douvres & drinks in a great respite from the lifeless wind. This event is continuing to grow each year...and, we learned about a great day to schedule it….at the same time as the Brickyard! Ask me why when you see me! You go Girls….. |
| Marion to Bermuda via ECSC |
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Sometimes it pays to be in the right place at the right time. I found myself in such a position this past January while attending a business meeting in Atlanta, Ga. High atop the Peach Tree Hotel tower our group was socializing over cocktails one evening. The gentleman that hired me some 18 years ago and still a friend today (Peter Lindenmeyer) mentioned that he was planning to run the Marion to Bermuda Cruising Yacht race this year after several years of planning. The 645 Marion, Massachusetts to Bermuda Race is held every other year on the odd years and alternates with the famous Newport to Bermuda Race. The race, which began 30 years ago, is designed to offer an amateur alternative for cruising yachts versus the professional racing style boats (web site: www.marionbermuda.com).
I returned to work in Brownsburg with the race still on my mind. Low and behold an email from Pete. “Dubord, are you serious about crewing? Will your wife let you go? Let me know ASAP.” Wow, the chance for an inland lake sailor to blue water race to Bermuda. As excited as I was initially, I had some reservations. Most of my concerns related to my own experience and skill level or lack there of. I did not want to be the weak link nor a liability to the crew. My other concern, which most of us would share, focused on the many things that could go wrong while offshore sailing. Regardless, I could not afford to let this opportunity pass. Our crew (pic above right) attended a Blue Water Sailing Safety Course held at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) on Easter Saturday. Next, a shakedown cruise to Block Island off of Narraganset Bay, RI. in May. Lots of exercise. About $1,000 in gear, and I was ready. Oh and a visit to the Doctor for some good sea sick meds. The race began Friday, June 17th. I have to say, the start of our 15 boat class (total 75 in race) was probably the most exciting thing I have ever experienced. Winds were 15 to 20 knots for 5 hours leaving Buzzards Bay. Photo helicopters, biplanes, spectator boats were all around. Our skipper got us off to a wonderful 2nd place start. Ocean sailing is such an awesome thing in many different ways. Personal emotions are as ever changing as the morale of the crew, both of which are mostly driven by the weather. For me, nature was the highlight of the entire trip. We experienced it all!
Other highlights of nature were the unbelievable star shows including the milky way, shooting stars, and seeing the moon with such clarity that we swore we could make out the American Flag. Squall lines, rainbows, pilot whales, dolphins, and many nights of bio luminaries in the water. We finished the race in 4 days, 20 hours. 10th in our class, 41st overall. Our claim to fame was beating Geraldo Rivera who sailed with his crew on his 70' Voyager. Other notables in the race were three boats form the US Naval Academy in Annapolis and the Governor of Bermuda on Babe (who I was fortunate enough to meet on the dock and has relatives in Indy, so if you ever need a room in Bermuda…). Four days of rest and relaxation in Bermuda with my wife Diane certainly was good recovery. Then it was four and a half days back to the states with lots of motor sailing. Nineteen days later, I was back to work and reality.
Finally, my concern regarding skill level proved to be unwarranted. Despite taking lots of “lake sailor” ribbing form the crew, I never missed a watch, had lots of time at the helm, never got sick, and hopefully was a help in many other ways which only those fortunate enough to do such a trip could relate to. Being able to contribute can only be attributed to the experience I received here on our own Eagle Creek. Guys like my mentor Rick Ahrbecker, leader of the Catalina 22’s Rich Fox, and others like Tom & Pam Moore, Rick Graef, and Dick Taylor taught me more than they will ever know. All of which I used in some way this summer on the Atlantic Ocean. |
| How It Works |
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This Club is not run by just one or two people (well, except for the slip assignments made by the Harbormaster!). We are run by a group of 24 Board members elected by popular vote. 8 new Board members are elected each year to a 3-year term replacing the 8 whose terms just expired.
The Committee Heads are appointed by the Commodore. Harbormaster and Racing Committee Heads formally appoint assistants. The other Committees appoint assistants as required. Whereas it's not required that Committee Heads & Assistants be on the Board, it's strongly encouraged. Attending Board meetings is a great/necessary way to keep abreast of the pulse of the Club. Any member is always welcome to attend any Board meeting ...especially during the summer when the meetings are held in the upper shelter with plenty of room. Nominations for the 8 Board positions are made at the September Board meeting (coming up soon). Voting for those positions occurs at the Final Bash each year by all members in attendance plus absentee ballots. At the Bash after the new Board members are elected, a short Board meeting is held to elect the 4 officer positions . The Committee Heads are also announced at the Board Meeting. If you cannot make it to the Final Bash (the Annual Club Meeting), you’re encouraged to send in your votes for Board members by mail...details on how to do this will show in the Ocober Telltales. Remember, helping run this Club is both rewarding and fun. Just let any current Board member know of your interest, and we'll make sure you are nominated.
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2005 Social Calendar, Click Here.
2005 Racing Calendar, Click Here.
2005 Overall Club Calendar, Click Here.
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| Click to view Sailboats, Inc's website. | |
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| Click to view Sport Bowl's website. | |
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| Eagle Creek Sail Club ECSC Home Page |
September Fun Events
Shaking that one off, we rigged the boat with the 150 genoa and decided on a starting strategy. Consulting with my mate, Carol, and the effervescent Annie Cameron, we decided that the most direct route to the windward mark favored a portside beat...we tried to start on port tack near the pin. After the starting horn, we just barely cleared the pin when Jim Grant and many other fast boats came charging down the line on starboard tacks. We tacked to clear all and promptly lost a bunch of boatspeed and positions.
Rounding the mark on starboard, we were fouled by another one of our friends with a sincere “sorry” as we used every trick left in the bag to avoid contact (When you have cleared a boat halfway, if you turn toward the other boat, your stern will swing wide and miss—hopefully). 
Fast forward a few years to 1985 and we are now living in Wakarusa, Indiana. We acquired a Ranger 26 and sailed it out of Holland, Michigan. As Lisa, our youngest daughter was under age one, the first piece of electronics on the boat was a microwave oven so we could heat her food and drink while at the dock. It was after that first summer of sailing that it was decided WE WOULD attend a sailing school before the next sailing season. Barb and I survived a week at the Offshore School in Fort Meyers, and qualified for the cap and gown ceremony at the local Pub.
We sold the Ranger in ‘98 in preparation for a job move to Indianapolis during the summer of ‘99. Somehow in ‘01, we discovered Eagle Creek Sailing Club. Larry January was a gracious host and took quite a bit of time showing us around the Club. As I still had an interest in racing, Larry invited me to a Wednesday night race. As I approached the race shed, there were my former crew members John Bergan and Tony Hubbard. Looking around, it seemed as if the whole racing group from Lake Monroe was now at Eagle Creek. That one evening made it a no-brainer--make out the check, join the Club, and start sailing! Having sailed on a variety of boats, with different crews, in all types of racing, ECSC really is a fun place to sail.
Trying to make an early exit from a holiday party found us crossing paths with Bonnie and Jim Wolfinger. Our mutual gift of gab, along with our sailing adventures, made for a long night. Needless to say, they joined ECSC and Jim started racing with Roger Black. Somehow, our desire to share a boat/slip, led us to the Allied Greenwich that Bonnie had found at Toledo Beach. Had we both realized that the project would require 500 hours to complete, I’m not sure that it wouldn’t still be sitting full of water, waiting for someone else to buy her. But, the upside was that we both learned many skills on boat maintenance, and with a full keel, the stability factor is a real comfort.
Bonnie and Jim also “forced” us to cruise the BVIs with them two years ago. We had a great time cruising, but I’m still trying to figure out how the dingy capsized on Valentine’s night after we left Willy T’s, and three of us ended up in the drink! The fun on that trip provided the fuel to attend the Heineken Regatta this year in St. Martin. A lot of hours of preparation went into that trip, especially as we had to do the night sail from Tortola to St. Martin and then the return. Special hint: don’t put an EPIRB in checked baggage. Thanks again to Charlie and Joyce, Bonnie and Jim, for a great time!!!!! Charlie even told me what side of the boat I should dump “my” bucket of noodles.
Pete (a former Hoosier who now lives outside of Boston) was giving us an overview of the preparation he had done to his Beneteau 473. I decided to make a half serious, half joking comment. “Let me know if you need crew”. Pete smiled, the rest of the small group laughed and that was that. Next subject.
Beginning with the most memorable Father’s Day any guy could wish or not wish for...we encountered 25 to 30 knot sustained winds from the NE with 34 knot gusts in the gulf stream. Seas swelled to 12' from the opposite direction. 128 miles, 14 hours through the night and we were out of the stream. Shifts at the helm rotated on the hour between the 5 out of 7 crew members who were not sick. Pat (Pete’s Fire Fighter brother from Chicago) took 100 gallons of water to the chest while at the helm and the same night flew 6' off the nav station and broke a hand rail with his ribs.
Looking back at the adventure in terms of my two prior reservations, I have a couple of thoughts. First of all, it pays to be prepared and pay attention to the details. We had a well prepared boat in excellent condition which handled the weather challenges like a champ. 
The Board meets about 7 times a year to decide what’s best for the Club. The Club officers (Commodore, Vice Commodore, Treasurer, and Secretary) are selected by the Board each year.