Winter 2000

The Albacore Advantage

Cover Photo – Whistler, BC

A One-design Boat

• no unnecessary expense of constant upgrades in design

A Safe Boat

• large air-filled tanks give excellent buoyancy
• hull shape gives stability on the water
• self-rescue after an unexpected puff is easy

A light and manageable Boat

• tongue load of less than 100 lbs gives ready trailerability
• launching and retrieving are a breeze

A comfortable Boat

• large, open cockpit
• benches on port and starboard sides

A Performance Boat

• seriously campaigned by major sailmakers
• planes in moderate winds
• buoyant heavy-air hull shape

Ideal for Junior Clubs

• 4 to 5 juniors will fit easily
• will stand up to heavy use

A vibrant Class Association

• well organized and vital
• recognized by the International Sailing Federation
• strong fleets through Ontario, Canada, US, Great Britain, Ireland and Bermuda
• top notch competitive sailing
• junior programs in some areas

1999/2000 Canadian Albacore Association Executive

PO Box 16, 660 Eglinton Avenue East, Toronto, Ontario M4G 4G1, www.albacore.ca

Position	Name	Address	Contact
Commodore	Heather Macnaughton	99 Harbour Square, Apt 1812, Toronto, ON M5J 2H2	H (416) 387-9898 · W (416) 868-8205 · F (416) 868-3817 · E [email protected]
Past Commodore	Gord Chu	310 Durie Street, Toronto, ON M6S 3G3	H (416) 760-8778 · W (416) 733-6851 · F (416) 733-6777 · E [email protected]
First Vice Commodore, Racing	Doug Paterson	221 Woburn Ave, Toronto, ON M5M 1L1	H (416) 480-0877 · W (416) 974-2970 · F (416) 974-4308 · E [email protected]
Second Vice Commodore, Marketing	Henry Pedro	2210 – 736 Bay Street, Toronto, ON M5G 2M4	H (416) 593-4438 · W (905) 458-2849 · F (905) 458-2870 · E [email protected]
Third Vice Commodore	Kevin Smith	46 Panorama Ct., Apt 703, Etobicoke, ON M9V 4A4	H (416) 743-6818 · W (416) 249-3361 · E [email protected]
Chief Measurer	Rick Clayton	362 Brookdale Avenue, Toronto, ON M5M 1P8	H (416) 783-9194 · W (416) 932-4427 · F (416) 932-4342 · E richard.clayton@stoneweb
Treasurer	Jason G. Roth	60 Cheviot Cres., Brampton, ON L6Z 4G7	H (905) 640-5395 · W (416) 441-9911 · F (416) 441-9921 · E [email protected]
Specifications Chair	David Weaver	14 Lansdowne Rd North, Cambridge, ON N1S 2S8	H (519) 623-4402 · W (905) 525-9140 ext 24907 · F (905) 572-7944 · E [email protected]
Secretary	Kate Mullin	57 Walmer Road, Apt 201, Toronto, ON M5R 2X6	H (416) 920-0154 · W (416) 920-0154 · F (416) 920-0154 · E [email protected]
Editor, Shackles & Cringles	Nona Arneson	95 Lawton Blvd., Apt. 608, Toronto, ON M4V 1Z8	H (416) 485-3572 · W (416) 586-8642 · E [email protected]
Membership	Ted Mallett	22 Ridley Blvd, Toronto, ON M5M 3K9	H (416) 486-0515 · W (416) 222-8130 Ext 260 · E [email protected]
Rear Commodore	Dianne Clark	99 Harbour Square, Apt 3302, Toronto, ON M5J 2H2	H (416) 203-9720 · W (416) 290-3901 · F (416) 290-2914 · E [email protected]
IAA Representatives	Neil Gunn, Ken Clarke
IAA Chief of Specifications	David Weaver

Shackles and Cringles is a quarterly publication of the Canadian Albacore Association. Deadlines for publication are February 15, April 15, July 15 and November 15.

Commodore's Corner

I hope everyone is enjoying the winter. Only two more months and we will be seeing each other on the water once again. I would like to welcome two other individuals to the CAA Executive, Kevin Smith and George Roth. I apologize for not acknowledging Kevin last quarter.

Kevin Smith, our Third Vice Commodore, has taken on the position responsible for promoting the juniors in the class as well as training. Kevin is making great strides on both fronts. He has arranged for another training session in year 2000 during the weekend of June 2, 3 and 4th. It will be available only to boats that are CAA members and will be limited to 24 boats. Kevin has worked very hard in getting two amazing coaches available the same weekend (very difficult given the coaches own regatta schedules). I will let Kevin tell you who the coaches will be. In addition, for the first time in many years, it looks like there is a strong possibility for a resurgence of the junior championship. We thank Kevin for his efforts there as well and look forward to seeing this happen.

The other, even newer member of our executive is George Roth who will be joining us mid year to replace Rick Clayton as Chief Measurer. Rick who is retiring after spending many years doing excellent work for the class has done a great job juggling working south of the border and yet still managing to keep up with this volunteer position. Thank you Rick for your hard work over the years and thank you also for your offer to stay on to help George get over the hurdle of measuring all of the new boats. A warm welcome to George for assuming the post mid year. You will be a great asset to the executive.

International Albacore Association (IAA)

We will also have two new representatives on the IAA starting in Year 2000. Both Neil Gunn and Ken Clarke have agreed to be the two Canadian representatives on the Association. Welcome to you both and thank you for accepting the positions.

Rosemary Helmer and Ian Rogers are retiring after many years of excellent service. We thank them both for all their hard work over the years and also thank them in advance for helping the new IAA reps become familiar with the issues and responsibilities.

Boat Show

The Albacore booth at the boat show was a big success. Thanks to Henry and all of his helpers for everything. Thanks as well to everyone who did a shift. Without everyone's help, this wouldn't have happened. We believe it is really important to show the Toronto sailing world a little about Albacores. We had many interested people pass by and ask questions. Next year, because of the high profile and the amount of work this show entails, we will be putting together a Boat Show Committee, reporting to Henry's position. Think about if you would like to help on this committee. It will be a lot of fun and help promote the fleet.

Midwinters

The Midwinter Albacore Regatta promises to be a lot of fun this year. It is being held in Sarasota on March 17, 18 and 19. I will be crewing for Chris Gorton on Baldrick's Cunning Plan. I am really looking forward to not only sailing with Chris (I am hoping to be able to decipher some of his secrets to success) but also enjoying the company of the other Albacore sailors as well as sailors from other dingy fleets. We are expecting 10 Albacores but it would be great to have more. It will be a blast so if you can possibly fit it into your schedule, come on down!

Regatta Schedule

Doug Paterson has been hard at work with all of the club reps putting together another great schedule this year. (See page 6 for a draft version.) We are looking forward to many excellent regattas once again. In addition, we are having a poster made up that you can post on your fridge or bulletin board so you do not miss anything. Jason Roth our Treasurer has generously offered to coordinate this project. The posters should be available in early Spring. Thanks to everyone involved in this effort.

Happy Winter everyone!

Heather Macnaughton

Oops…

Correction to the Fall 1999 Issue of Shackles & Cringles, page 3. This photo was taken by George Allen.

I Would Rather be an Editor than an Author

It's hard to believe that it is March and the sailing season is only two to four months away depending upon your cold tolerance. Personally, I prefer warm weather, however, on that first day in the spring when you can finally feel the warmth of the sun again, I am among the first to pull out the foul weather gear, pull on a toque, find something that resembles mittens that will fit over my sailing gloves and hope that there will not be any ice chunks remaining in the Toronto harbour.

Admittedly, this winter hasn't been as dark and “sail-less” as others. First, there was the boat show which is always a good opportunity to commiserate with other desperate sailors. Second, there was America's Cup sailing. I have been glued to the television since January watching coverage of the races in New Zealand. The Louis Vitton Series was terrific. There was some fantastic racing complete with masts breaking, boats cracking in half, crew members overboard, no wind, too much wind, and a water skiing dog. It reminded me of the Canadian's at CORK last summer, minus the dog. On the other hand, the final America's Cup Series was a little disappointing, not only because I was cheering for Italy's syndicate, Luna Rossa who lost to New Zealand 5-0, but also because the racing wasn't as exciting. And third, I enjoyed my first appearance in Sailing World. If you take out a magnifying glass and look closely at the Albacore photograph from the coverage of the US Nationals and Internationals there are at least four recognizable Canadian boats in the picture – Norm Rubin and myself, Dave and Carolyn Smith, Ed Nicholas and Sue Forges, and Ross King and Janet Duff. I am also pretty sure that hull number 55 was a Canadian boat too.

But I digress. The real reason for all these words from me is that I do not have any from you. This is an appeal for material. Please don't make me resort to printing old articles from past issues. I would love to hear from someone who has never written an article for Shackles. (Someone from Ottawa or Vancouver perhaps?) I am also in search of photographs. I do have a photo “archive” of sorts that has been handed down to me from previous editors, however, most of the pictures are from the 1970s and I wouldn't want to embarrass anyone by printing them.

As I was putting this issue of Shackles & Cringles together, I started thinking about how to get a greater variety of articles and authors this year. I realized that all of the people who have written articles for me, see me on a regular basis (or rather I spot them sneaking away with a regatta trophy in hand.) So I had an idea. Perhaps this summer I will endeavor to take a few road trips. I see on the schedule several regattas in places that I have never sailed – Sarasota, Clear Lake, Nepean and Meaford to name a few. The first one, the Mid-Winter Regatta, is probably underway as you read this issue. I have been trying to figure out a way that I can get a boat off the Toronto Island (without having to navigate the ice flows), sneak away from work and make the trip to Florida. Since it doesn't look promising, I am hoping one of those lucky sailors is going to volunteer an article (and photos) to publish in the next issue (hint hint). The next one is the Mid Atlantic Albacore regatta on the Victoria Day long weekend and I just received an email from Gene Spillane of the Hunterdon Sailing Club promising that the water will be warm!

In fact, I would encourage more of the Albacore fleet to do some travelling this summer. I have met some great people on the few trips that I have done and have found that the hospitality of the host clubs has been great. Of course, most importantly the sailing has always been great too. Besides, the Outer Harbour in Toronto is getting a little crowded. And don't forget the opportunity to win the Gooderham Trophy which is awarded to the top sailor in a series of five specially selected regattas throughout the season. So if we cross paths this summer and I promise to wave you through on a close port crossing would you be willing to help me out with an article? Maybe, just maybe, travel is the solution to my material shortage.

Nona Arneson
Editor, Shackles & Cringles

Boat Show 2000 Update

Thanks to everyone who stopped by and visited the Canadian Albacore Association booth at this year's boat show! It was you who made this year's exhibit such a success! See you again next year!

A special thank-you to those who helped staff the exhibit while I wasn't there, and an extra special thanks goes to Kate Mullin for your help with the display, Neil Wilson for your help with setup and teardown, and Murray Kibler for your help moving the boat!

Henry Pedro
2nd Vice-Commodore, CAA

Big Mac Attack – Albacore 2000 Race Training

Michael McNamara, “the Big MAC” will be here in Canada to reveal all his secrets, along with “BARNstorm”, Team Spot, Barney Harris. Dueling coaches never before attempted. Don't miss out!

Date: Starting Thursday evening June 1st and 3 full days June 2nd, 3rd and 4th.

Place: Toronto's Outer Harbour, hosted by Mooredale Sailing club. On the water training may be in the Outer Harbour or out on the lake.

Coaches:
Michael McNamara: World Albacore Champion numerous times.
Barney Harris: Multiple Canadian and US National Champion.
Kevin Smith: Two-time Olympic Tornado sailor.

Social: Party at C'est What? Saturday night with refreshments and fun prizes.

Eligibility: This advanced course endorsed by the Canadian Albacore Association is for sailors who want to improve to the next level of racing and maybe even get close to the Big MAC. Sailors from all countries who are members of their national association are welcome.

Registration: Registration is limited to 24 boats in order to insure individual coaching attention. The fee is $150 per boat. See the registration form included with this issue. The registration form will also be available on the Canadian Albacore Association web page (www.albacore.ca) on March 20, 2000. Registrations will be accepted by mail starting March 20, 2000.

Questions? Contact Kevin Smith by email: [email protected]

2000 Albacore Race Schedule

Draft schedule as printed – watermarked “DRAFT” in the original. See the fine print below.

Date	Event	Host Club	Location	Contact
Mar 17-19	Mid Winters	Sarasota Sailing Squadron	Sarasota, Florida USA	Jim Barr – [email protected]
May 20-21	Mid-Atlantics (confirmed)		Spruce Run, NJ USA	Jim Barr – [email protected]
28-May	Harbour Master 1-2 (confirmed)	RCYC	Toronto, Inner Harbour	Rosemary Helmer – [email protected]
June 3-4 (G)	Tarts & Balls (confirmed)	TS&CC	Toronto, Humber Bay	Derek Griffiths – [email protected]
4-Jun	Peterborough Examiner (confirmed)	Peterborough S.C.	Clear Lake, ON	Harold Briggs – 705.742.2746
11-Jun	Harbour Master 3-4 (confirmed)	Toronto Island S.C.	Toronto, Inner Harbour	David Jube – [email protected]
Jun 17-18	RCYC Open (Ontarios) (confirmed)	RCYC	Toronto, Inner Harbour	Raines Koby – [email protected]
TBA (G)	Nepean Open	Nepean S.C.	Nepean, ON	Ed Nicholas – [email protected]
TBA	Lake Skiff Sailing Assoc.	ABYC	Toronto, Ashbridges Bay	Debbie Thomas – 416.461.7420
2-Jul (G)	Centennial Regatta (confirmed)	Peterborough S.C.	Clear Lake, ON	Harold Briggs – 705.742.2746
8-Jul	OHCC Open (confirmed)	OHCC	Toronto, Lake/Outer Harbour	Ross King – [email protected]
9-Jul	Harbour Master 5-6 (confirmed)	OHCC	Toronto, Outer Harbour	Ross King – [email protected]
July 14-16	US Nationals (confirmed)		Chesapeake Bay USA
15-Jul	Women's Helm (confirmed)	St. Jamestown S.C.	Toronto, Outer Harbour	Robert MacDonald – [email protected]
July 15-16	Albacore Juniors	St. Jamestown S.C.	Toronto, Outer Harbour	R. Helmer / K. Smith
22-Jul	St. Jamestown Open (confirmed)	St. Jamestown S.C.	Toronto, Outer Harbour	Robert MacDonald – [email protected]
23-Jul	Harbour Master 7-8 (confirmed)	St. Jamestown S.C.	Toronto, Outer Harbour	Robert MacDonald – [email protected]
29-Jul (G)	Westwood Open (confirmed)	Westwood S.C.	Toronto, Outer Harbour	Steve Goode – [email protected]
30-Jul	Harbour Master 9-10 (confirmed)	Westwood S.C.	Toronto, Outer Harbour	Steve Goode – [email protected]
Aug 3-6	CYA Sail East	Beaconsfield Y.C.	Beaconsfield PQ	George Portelance – [email protected]
12-Aug	Mooredale Open (confirmed)	Mooredale S.C.	Toronto, Outer Harbour	Heather Gilchrist – 416.330.3088
13-Aug	Harbour Master 11-12 (confirmed)	Mooredale S.C.	Toronto, Outer Harbour	Heather Gilchrist – 416.330.3088
TBA (G)	PABAR	Pointe au Baril S.C.	Georgian Bay, ON	Jeff Wilkins – [email protected]
19-Aug	New Skipper's Race (confirmed)	Westwood S.C.	Toronto, Outer Harbour	Steve Goode – [email protected]
26-Aug	Toronto Island Open (confirmed)	Toronto Island S.C.	Toronto, Inner Harbour	David Jube – [email protected]
27-Aug	Harbour Master 13-14 (confirmed)	Toronto Island S.C.	Toronto, Inner Harbour	David Jube – [email protected]
Sep 2-3	RCYC Royal Weekend Open (confirmed)	RCYC	Toronto, Inner Harbour	Rosemary Helmer – [email protected]
TBA	Fanfare '99 (Area 10)	Nepean S.C.	Nepean, ON	Ed Nicholas – [email protected]
9-Sep	Round the Island (confirmed)	St. Jamestown S.C.	Toronto, Inner Harbour	Robert MacDonald – [email protected]
10-Sep	Harbour Master 15-16 (confirmed)	St. Jamestown S.C.	Toronto, Outer Harbour	Robert MacDonald – [email protected]
Sept 15-17	Canadian Championships (confirmed)	City of Meaford	Meaford, ON	Dianne Clarke – [email protected]
Oct 7-9	North Americans (confirmed)	Rehoboth Sailing Assoc.	Dewey Beach, Delaware USA

G – Races designated as the Gooderham Series. The Gooderham Trophy was established in the memory of Bill Gooderham to encourage Albacore sailors to Regattas across Ontario and is awarded annually to the helmsperson who achieves the best result in the series.

Some fine print: This schedule is a DRAFT only and is subject to change. Check the Canadian Albacore Website at www.albacore.ca for up-to-date changes.

So You Want to be an Albacore Millionaire?

By David Wallerstein, Team Captain '01 Worlds

$100	When is the next World Championship?
$200	What Country will be the host?
$400	Who is the current World Champion?
$800	Who is the Past World Champion?
$1,000	How many Canadian Champions have there been?
$2,000	Where and when was the first Championship?
$4,000	How many boats were on the line?
$8,000	Who came up with the idea and was the first Chairman?
$16,000	Where have the Canadian Worlds been held and when?
$32,000	Who and how old was the oldest skipper in a Worlds?
$64,000	Who and how old was the youngest crew to sail in Worlds?
$125,000	Do you have a passport?
$250,000	Where is the English Riviera?
$500,000	Where was Agatha Christie born?

AND THE MILLION DOLLAR QUESTION —

$1,000,000   ARE YOU GOING?

David Wallerstein from the US has contacted the Canadian Albacore Association to facilitate Canadian and US teams that are thinking of going to the UK in 2001 for the International Albacore Championships. David will be writing updates which he will pass on to publish in Shackles & Cringles about his progress in organizing attendance at this event. The contact person in Canada is Henry Pedro (email [email protected]). If you are thinking about going now is the time to get involved. It may save you some time and money should you decide to attend.

David writes:
There is space for eight boats in a container. Feedback from a fraction of our membership indicate the first container is almost FULL. Those of you who have not responded to my emails please do so now since I am talking to shipping companies trying to obtain the best price possible. Yes, it is still early but you don't want to miss out on this Million Dollar Opportunity to tour, socialize, and sail in wind conditions more typical of what we are used to in North America. Let me know if you are serious about going, a maybe, if you plan on sending your boat or chartering. Email me at [email protected]. At this point we have about a dozen teams indicating they want to go. Let's get that up to the next level. This does not have to be 'your final answer' yet. But I do want to know who might be going so I can talk to the shipping companies, the airlines, the Tourist Board's accommodations person, and keep the folks in the UK advised so they can plan a great event.

These emails have been circulated on the Albacore mailing list. To join the list, email [email protected] and type “subscribe albacore-list”.

To contact any member of the CAA Executive refer to the inside cover of Shackles & Cringles or www.albacore.ca

Naming Your Boat

Boat naming is a very personal issue. The best boat names reflect a part of you, how you feel about sailing or even life. Often a good name reflects a happy or memorable event on the water.

In the last few months, I interviewed a number of sailors to find out how they determined the name of their boat. During the process, I found out that many people have strong views on boat naming and boat renaming. For example, most people agree that you may rename a prior owned boat as long as you rename it right away. However, most also agree that renaming a boat after owning it for awhile is clearly an unacceptable practice. Others believe that naming a dingy is totally different than naming a large boat or keel boat. A more sophisticated boat must have a more polished or refined name than a small boat. The name of a large boat must reflect its station in life.

Dr. Rolf Zeisler of the Washington DC Albacore fleet wrote, “Basically, the boat must be cleaned of the old name, best at high sea, involving fluids such as rum. The participation of a virgin is also an essential ingredient in most procedures. After proper cleansing, the naming can proceed. It is not advisable to smash a bottle of champagne against an Albacore, pouring works well enough (preferentially into the virgin's mouth).”

My boat naming interviews were not confined to Albacore sailors as I wanted to get a cross section of sailboat owners to provide their views. Here are the results:

Cricket – Rosemary Helmer – Albacore
This was a very practically chosen name. Rosemary wanted the name of her boat to be less than 10 characters for two reasons: 1) the whole name would show up on race results; and 2) so it could be a decent size to be seen from a distance on the race course. Rosemary was in England picking up her boat from the boatbuilder and the builder was not quite ready. So she and her mother traveled around England and found themselves at Dickens House. “Cricket on Heath” was a short story by Dickens. Because it was a chirpy, upbeat and positive name, Rosemary's Albacore became Cricket.

Dog Breath – Dave Harris – Albacore
In approximately 1991, Dave was sailing in a Sunday afternoon Harbour Master race with a woman.. She was wearing loose clothes, no bra, had hairy legs and Birkenstocks. (Yes – this is a good story). A male skipper (Murray Grummit) was sailing by prior to the race and yelled to the woman, “Hey Dog Face!” (Dave believes Murray had previously tried to date this woman but she had spurned his advances). The woman took offence to the comment “dog face” and during the first downwind leg she mooned Murray. Of course, Dave was only concerned with the jib. “Stop mooning the competition and take care of the jib!” he said. The woman became upset because Dave was not supporting her. Dave said to her “He's got no right to call you dog face when you've got dog breath!” Murray overheard Dave make this comment to the woman and Murray yelled, “She's got dog breath!!” And then to finish off this woman completely as a possible long term Albacore sailor, Murray yelled across the finish line to them, “Well, every dog has its day!” The woman was never seen again (on the race course anyway). Off the water two weeks later, Dave sees Murray who says to Dave “Hi Dog Breath”. Dave's nickname became “Dog Breath” and Dave's good friend Paul Stern (current owner of WildFlower, which he bought from Paul Henderson) bought Dave a sticker saying “Dog Breath”. The Dog Breath sticker remains on the stern of Dave's boat.

On the Rocks – Mark Anderson – Shark
Would this mean serving drinks (on the rocks) on the boat or crashing into the rocks? Actually both, but Mark likes the idea of drinks on the rocks and he has a giveaway Martini glass on the stern of his boat. However, on a more serious note, the original name came from an incident from a previous owner who crashed up against the rocks of the Boulevard Club.

MacDuff – Andy Cumming – Albacore
When I first spoke to Andy about how he named his Albacore, he said “I call all of my boats MacDuff!” Andy originally bought his wooden Albacore MacDuff when he was 18 years old. At the time, he was enthralled with Shakespeare's MacBeth – hence the name MacDuff. He sold the boat in the early 90's and found out in early '99 that it was up for sale again. In the meantime, he had bought an Etchell and had named his Etchell MacDuff. In 1999, he bought his winning Albacore back and of course he could not change the name…. Oh, well, you can never get too much of Andy in MacDuffs.

Nemesis – Fred Eaton – International 14
Fred's previous I-14's had Rodeo related names because of the tendency for the International 14 to be easy to capsize and therefore easy to be thrown off of. Two of his previous boats' names were Midnight Rider and 8 Seconds (8 seconds is the minimum amount of time a cowboy must ride a bull to earn a score). Fred assumed that the next boat would also have a rodeo name. However, his crew rebelled and would not hear of another rodeo name. After much discussion they chose Nemesis. This name, from Greek Mythology, means arch enemy. Nemesis also happens to be the Goddess of Evening Things Out and Webster's dictionary definition refers to Nemesis as “The Goddess of Divine Retribution”. This boat was going to be fast! And sure enough, things were evened out. They did very well in the new boat. Fred now keeps a running list of possible boat names so when he gets his next boat he will be prepared!

Irish Mist – Bill Brennan – C&C 27
Bill bought the boat from TS&CC and the boat was called Esprit. He and his partner (at the time) decided to keep the name and told their relatives the name of the boat - Esprit. However, as chance would have it, they needed to scrape off the name to make boat repairs, so decided to rename it. Since Bill and his partner both have an Irish background, they renamed the boat Irish Mist. In the meantime, Bill's Mother thought she would surprise him with all sorts of boat stuff for his new boat called “Esprit”. Little did she know they had changed the name so she arrived with items engraved and embroidered with “Esprit” all over… Oops, they forgot to tell her…

Swirling Turd – Tom Cumming – J-24
In keeping with the idea that a larger boat needs a more elegant name, this boat appears nameless. For those of you who do not know this boat, it is a very dark brown colour. Looks are deceiving however, as it is a fast boat. At the start of a race Tom was in, he was clearly annoying a competitor. He was tacking and gybing around another boat so that the other boat could not obtain clear air to start. The other boat called him a “swirling turd” (due to the brown colour of the boat). Hence the name…

Apple Juice – Jason Roth – Albacore: Jason son's name is Alexander Joshua and they call him AJ. His friends emailed and asked how Apple Juice was (as a nickname for Alexander Joshua). For the longest time Jason and his wife did not know who Apple Juice was – or whom their friends were referring to. Once they realized it was AJ, they decided to use this name on their Albacore…

Baldrick's Cunning Plan – Chris (Bruce) Gorton – Albacore
This comes from a direct quote from Henry (Bruce) Pedro, who helped Chris achieve fantastic results in the Canadians, US Nationals and Internationals in 1999. “This is how Baldrick's Cunning Plan, was named and how all good boats should be named, for that matter,” says Henry. “It involves forming a special 'bond' with your boat. The way we did it was to take the boat completely apart. And I mean right down to the smallest cleat. Next, large quantities of Mount Gay rum (Bushmills: Black Bush Irish Whisky works here too) were consumed. You could conceivably substitute Bacardi 151, but that may be risky depending on your level of intestinal fortitude. Once the beverages are dispatched, the next task is to reassemble the boat in such a manner that all the bits and pieces are “sensibly” laid out. Now there are various scales of 'sensible' and they are directly related to the type and quantity of beverage imbided. Chris and I got the best results with a combination of good Canadian beer (no watery "making-love-in-a-canoe" American stuff allowed) and Mount Gay rum. Interspersed between all of these on-shore-rigging sessions, on-the-water testing must also be performed. There must be a certain level of courage achieved for this to happen, combined with good winds and good rum. Once the “sensible rigging” has been applied you're ready to sail again. There will likely be several BEvERAge sessions required until a final layout is accepted. You will find, that after this is done, the boat will just name itself. The only payment it will require from you is a string of hangovers the size of Montana. Now do I sense fear from you? Ah, it is but a small price to pay my friend for the satisfaction of being "bonded" to your new sled.”

That's it folks except for the name of my boat…MM II – many have guessed, however, here it shall remain a secret…

Heather J. Macnaughton

FYI – New Canadian Coastguard Regulations

From the Canadian Yachting Association

What Parents and youths need to know now!

Most people are well aware of the new Canadian Coast Guard regulations concerning boat operator competency. For those of you who have not heard, IT'S THE LAW!

Operator competency refers to the boater having a basic level of knowledge when to comes to operating a boat. This includes all types of power driven vessels. This regulation has been designed to increase awareness to the boating public, in all terms of boating safety. The regulations are designed to be phased in over a period of time. As the youth were identified as needing the greatest amount of boating education, all persons born after April 1, 1983 are now obligated to have a Pleasure Craft Operator License.

Parents must be aware that their children must have proof of competency now. This includes children who use the family boat at the cottage or borrow the family tender at the yacht club.

The Canadian Yachting Association has developed the leading Coast Guard Approved Operator Competency course to date. SPARK START has been developed to teach both the seasoned yachtsman and the basic beginner.

For courses next year, please contact your provincial sailing association or the Canadian Yachting Association directly.
(613) 748-5687   www.sailing.ca

Know the facts:

Operator Competency 10 year Period

• Persons born after April 1, 1983 may not operate any powered recreational vessel without proof of competency.
• As of 2002 any person operating any powered recreational vessel less than 4 meters, including personal watercraft, must have proof of competency.
• As of 2009 any person operating any powered recreational vessel must have proof of competency.

Age and Horsepower Restrictions
It's the law!

• Under 12 years of age – May not operate a powerboat over 10hp unless accompanied/supervised.
• 12-16 years of age – May not operate a powerboat over 40hp unless accompanied/supervised.
• Less than 16 years of age – May not operate a PWC.

Notice of Race – US Mid Atlantics

NOTICE OF REGATTA
UNITED STATES ALBACORE ASSOCIATION
MID ATLANTIC COMPETITION

ORGANIZING AUTHORITY: United States Albacore Association

CLUB/HOST ORGANIZATION: Hunterdon Sailing Club, Clinton, NJ

DATES: May 20th and 21st, 2000

1. Rules: This regatta will be governed by The Racing Rules of Sailing for 1997-2000, the prescriptions of the US Sailing Association, and the rules of the United States Albacore Association, except as any of these are altered by this notice, and by the sailing instructions.

2. Eligibility and Entry: This event is open to all Albacore boats helmed by a member (associate or full) of the United States Albacore Association or any other National Albacore Association.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
Fleet Captain Gene Spillane (Al 5297, Happy Hurricane)

E-mail [email protected]

Home Telephone (908) 918-0842

Get your Notice of Race in Shackles & Cringles. The next deadline for submissions is April 15, 2000. Issue to be mailed in early May. Summer issue deadline is July 15, 2000 to be ready for mailing early August. Plan your Notice of Race accordingly.

Electronic versions preferred: [email protected]