From the Commodore - March 2020 - the Tred Avon Yacht Club!
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March 2020 Volume 74 Issue 3
From the Commodore...
In February we began easing our way out of hibernation with our first two Ales & Tales and Wednesday Night
Dinner, all of which were well attended and a very good time had by all. At the WND, P/C RJ Cooper gave an
exciting presentation on the bid that he and his sister, Courtney Cumberland, are undertaking to qualify for the
Mixed-Gender, Double-Handed, Distance Sailing event at the 2024 Paris Olympics! Their long road to Paris be-
gan last summer with “Team Priscilla” (the name given to a pelican the siblings rescued as children) competing in
the Annapolis Yacht Club sponsored 24-hour Double-Handed Distance Race. They have a busy schedule of local
and national races planned for 2020, including the famed Chicago to Mackinac race in July. TAYC is very hon-
ored to have as members sailors like RJ who compete at the highest level of the sport. There is Andrew Camp-
bell, a team member of “NYYC American Magic,” who we all hope will return the America’s Cup back home to
the USA in 2021, and Nevin Snow, grandson of Gib and Anna Snow, who qualified in the 49er class to repre-
sent the USA at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. Let’s cheer on our family of accomplished sailors as they reach for
the stars and make TAYC proud!
At the second Ales & Tales in February, Jim Thompson, TAYC’s ocean racing and world-wide cruising leg-
end, was honored by some of his many (and there are many) friends. His shipmates from over the years recounted
tales of sailing with Jim and shared phots of their adventures. Jim is one-of-kind, and there are so many sailors,
yours truly included, who Jim has provided with inspiration and support, great fun, and life-long memories. We
love you Jim and thank you!
Finally in February, at a special meeting of the membership called to request the allocation of capital funds for
replacing the old (B) dock, the proposal passed with flying colors and work on the dock will commence immedi-
ately. I would like to thank the membership for your support and recognize the hard work by Dock Committee
Chair P/C Jay Dayton, V/C Tom Campbell, who with his forces from Campbell’s Boatyards and club volun-
teers, will install the water and electric in order to keep the costs down, and finally to our great team of financial
wizards, Treasurer & P/C Jay Weaver and the Finance Committee, led by P/C HD Slaughter, for doing such
a great job of managing our capital in such a responsible manner that this project can be accomplished with NO
ASSESSMENT, which we all applaud!
Now on to March, as we finalize plans for an exciting sailing season. Planning for our two very special events
in the fall, the Shields Nationals and Melges 24’ Nationals, along with our traditional regattas throughout the year,
are well underway with committees very hard at work. Led by our Governor for Fleet Coordination Sandy McAl-
lister, we are in discussions with our neighbors at Cambridge Yacht Club to organize a “Choptank Challenge
Cup” which will consist of PHRF teams from the two clubs competing at CYC’s Admiral Byrd Regatta in early
October, capped off by a distance race from Cambridge to Oxford on the last day. This is all part of an effort to
reinvigorate our PHRF program by offering something new and different. In that regard, the PHRF Spring Series
will consist of three races this year, but not the format we are accustomed to. Races #1 and #2 will be scored
from two consecutive Friday OARS races and Race #3 will be a Saturday race, reaching beyond the confines of
the Tred Avon, likely across the Choptank, then back home. PHRF Skippers, please stand by for more
information on these events.
In March, we are conducting two “focus sessions.” The first is meeting with the Past Commodores to solicit
their suggestions on a wide range of topics. Moving through the different board level positions as a Governor,
then up the chain of command is a constant learning process and when you finally have it all figured out, you’re
wearing a P/C’s badge. So, I look forward to meeting with our most experienced club members, who have led our
club through many different situations, and utilize their wisdom in decisions as we move forward.
The second focus session is on March 27th from 1600 hrs to 1730 hrs and is open to our entire membership.
Here we will discuss the Focus on Sailing (FOS) Program. The FOS leadership, Peter Galloway and Earl Segal
and their committee will discuss the 2020 FOS program and listen to ideas from the membership. FOS is a jewel
within our club and has something to offer a wide range of sailing interests, from learning to sail to casual day-
sailing to competitive racing, all on the user-friendly Ideal 18’s. Please come and help our dedicated FOS team
shape a program that will make you want to participate.
Please check the March Tide and mark your calendars to attend our upcoming events!
I look forward to seeing you there!
Commodore, Doug Abbott
Wednesday Night Dinner
WND on February 12 was a special evening. The speaker, P/C RJ Cooper, set a fun tone with an Abe Lincoln
hat and beard in honor of that president's birthday. After dinner by chef Lisa, delicious as usual, RJ spoke about a
new Olympic sailing event that is to debut in 2024 at the Paris Olympics, although this event will probably be off
Marseille. It is double handed racing and the crew is defined as one male and one female. It is open water and the
race may run 3 to 5 days and nights. The class hasn't been determined yet but real time on air coverage is expected
to be available. RJ and his sister, Courtney, participated in a sort of trial event run by the Annapolis Yacht Club
that was an overnight run down to Hooper's Island Light and back. There were 7 J105's in the double handed class
but an ORC group also raced. A very interesting video of the event was presented . RJ and Courtney comprise
Team Priscilla named after a one-billed pelican they cared for as children and their next project is to compete in
the Chicago to Mackinac Island Race. Ultimately they hope this may be a steppingstone to getting on the Olympic
team. AGTWHBA (A good time was had by all.)
Junior Sail FAQ’s For those of you who have ventured to the “junior sailing program” tab on the Yacht Club web site may have no- ticed that the summer sailing program’s class descriptions look a little different this year. We have worked hard to make changes that we hope will provide our junior sailors with more opportunity to maximize sailing time, learn the fundamentals, and of course have fun. I am very proud of the work we’ve done and the opportunities we have created for our sailors in 2020. We have put together a question and answer forum to help everyone choose what class is right for their sailor. If you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me at junior- sail@tayc.com. Q: I notice that all of the Sail School class titles have changed, how do I know what to sign my sailor up for? A: Yes, we have updated our courses, their content, the sessions, and the titles to reflect the changing nature of busy schedules and youth sports while still delivering a solid product which will maximize learning sailing funda- mentals, fun, and time on the water. To put it simply… Sea Squirts (ages 6-7) Goal: Maximize fun, learn the basics, love the water, want to return to learn more- smile and laugh often. Overboard Optis aka Beginner Opti (age 8-10) Goal: Learn the fundamentals, be able to sail “out and back”- smile and laugh often. Junior Jibers aka Intermediate Opti (age 10-13) Goal: Expand on the fundamentals, be able to sail “out and back” with confidence and style- smile and laugh often. Q: Last year Opti Green Fleet was the only option after Sailors in Motion (beginner Opti), what happened to that? A: Only having Green Fleet racing presented a conundrum for parents, sailors, and instructors. Some sailors want- ed to race, some did not. Some parents wanted to travel to events, some did not. The instructors tried to balance all the needs, but sometimes fell short. In response, we created Junior Jibers which is a non-racing focused class. This class will focus on the fundamentals of sailing and having fun. It is a place where racers and non-racers alike can go to improve upon what they learned in “beginner” Opti and apply these new skills to whatever type of sail- ing they choose. However, for the week leading up to the Tred Avon Junior Regatta, July 21st, there will be a rac- ing focus and our hope is that everyone enrolled will join the Green Fleet and race in that event in order to give racing a try. Q: Okay, so you have Junior Jibers which is non-racing, but my sailor wants to race and is not ready for the Opti Race Team, what should I do? A: The plan is that you would enroll your sailor in Junior Jibers to get the skills needed for boat handling and sail trim, and additionally sign them up for Opti Green Fleet Racing which is an “add on” to Junior Jibers. In addition to Junior Jibers which is Monday – Thursday we will have one racing practice a week on Friday mornings and will receive coaching during the evening summer series. The evening summer series is a racing series running once a week for the whole summer. Then toward the end of the summer when confidence and skills are at their highest, there will be three regattas the team will attend. Both TAYC regattas and one away regatta in August will be on the schedule. By combining Junior Jibers and Green Fleet the sailor will get plenty of the fundamentals and an introduction to racing with practice and coaching. Q: Last year Opti Green Fleet went to seven regattas, this year there are three, why the big change? A: This is a good but complicated question. First, Tred Avon has one of the best spots on the bay to sail. We
want to spend time here taking advantage of that! After a review of the program last year, it was found that the Green Fleet was spending at least a day a week, sometimes more loading and unloading boats to go to events where often times they only had a few hours of racing. Rather than spending valuable practice time loading and unloading boats, we will be sailing and building skills. I would argue that our sailors will be sailing more than the clubs that travel to every event. Further, by taking advantage of the summer series and practicing each Friday sail- ors will be racing often in the comfort of our own back yard. Long story short, more time on the water means better sailors! Second, Green Fleet racing is not meant to be a place where sailors spend years. It is meant to be a place where they get their feet wet, learn the ropes, and move on to Red, White and Blue. We realize that every- one doesn’t necessarily adhere to this philosophy but in the long run, we feel it is better for our sailors. Q: Okay, my sailor was in Opti Green Fleet last year and wants to do all the regattas, what should I do? A: If your sailor did Green Fleet last year, loves racing and can’t get enough then he or she should join the Opti Race Team. They will practice every day and do many regattas. The team is even going to Opti Nationals for a week in Virginia this summer! But, if your sailor is on the fence, likes racing but doesn’t want to focus on it all the time, or struggles to maintain the focus needed to engage in the racing team 100%, then Junior Jibers / Opti Green Fleet or 420 Green Fleet is the place for him or her. Also, if you really want your sailor to race but he or she is hesitant or resistant, this might be a great compromise! Q: I notice that you have a 420 Green Fleet in addition to Optis, what is this all about? A: The 420 Green Fleet is for those Opti sailors that might be thinking about moving up into a doublehanded boat, or for sailors that feel they have outgrown an Opti but aren’t ready to join the 420 Race Team. If your sailor is over 100 pounds, has 3 years of sailing, and a desire to compete- this might be the right class. The class will run concurrently with the Opti Green Fleet so you can’t sign up for both. It is totally appropriate for sailors to do Junior Jibers and 420 Green Fleet as long as they fit the requirements above. It is also appropriate for a sailor on the Opti Race Team who wants some exposure to 420s to enroll in 420 Green Fleet, though there might be some scheduling conflicts for your family to work through. Q: Why are the Sea Squirts sailing in 420s and not in Optis or Ideals? A: The truth is six and seven-year-olds aren’t really appropriate to sail in Optis by themselves. Sailing has many abstract concepts. For example, wind is an invisible force that moves all the time at different velocities and direc- tions and if we position our boats and sails just so, then they we will move in a direction not necessarily in the same direction of the wind. This concept is difficult for young sailors to understand and has flustered many adults as well! Six and seven-year-olds are concrete thinkers and learners. We need to steer clear of the abstract. Trying to start sailing an Opti too soon is frustrating and can even lead to avoidance, which is the last thing we want. Not to mention the sitting and waiting time needed for your turn to sail in the Opti. On the other hand, Ideals are too big and unresponsive, with not enough to do. To a six-year-old they are boring! 420s are the perfect boat, they are fast and exciting. Four to five kids and an instructor can easily rig and sail the boat. Sailors can trim the jib, or main, steer, or hang from the trapeze. They can learn and have fun on this exciting boat while exploring the river and learning. Our instructors’ goal is for the kids to have so much fun they beg to come back and sail the Opti when the time is right. Q: My seven-year-old is a fast learner and has sailed before, can I make the decision to have him in Overboard Optis? A: Every child is different, but the Tred Avon Yacht club is going to stick to the policy that the minimum age re- quirement of the class should be reached by the first day of that class. For Overboard Optis that age is 8. Abstract concepts aside, there is a big difference between a kindergartener and first grader compared to a second grader in regard to attention span, ability to take direction and work within a group, their social interactions with other kids, and skill readiness and acquisition. To help all classes run smoothly on and off the water please stick to the age re- quirements. If you would like your kids to get a head start, there are always private lessons, see Scott or your Sea Squirt instructor to set those up!
Q: I notice that you have maximum numbers of students per class per session, why is that?
A: US Sailing recommends a certain student to instructor ratio. Really it is fundamental to ensure that each class is
as safe as possible. By keeping the instructor to student ratio low it maximizes safety and learning which we can all
agree is most important. It may mean that certain sessions will fill up faster than in the past, so make sure you reg-
ister early and have a second session as a backup.
Q: What is the Summer Racing Series?
A: The Summer Racing Series is open to all Green Fleet and Racing Team participants. It is going to be a series of
races in the evenings that will serve as practice for the Opti and 420 Green Fleet (coaching on the water) and as a
supplement to our other racing fleets summer events. Participants will only need to compete in 50% of the races
during the whole summer to qualify to win a trophy at the awards banquet in August. Only needing to compete in
50% of the races will allow flexibility in family scheduling for an already hectic summer. This is a replacement of
the previous Monday night racing. While free, we are requiring an advanced registration to determine commit-
ment. There will be a skipper’s meeting on the first night of the series.
Q: My sailor is 14, too old for Optis, and doesn’t want to race, what should I do?
A: Over the last several seasons, classes for older recreational sailors haven’t filled and had to be cancelled due to
low enrollment. We are brainstorming on how to restart this class in the future. We realize that we need to nurture
both racing and recreational sailing. If you are interested in having a session available for high school aged kids
this year, please e-mail Katlin at katlinthetide@tayc.com. If we have enough interest and our instructor availability
allows it, we will run a class later this summer. We feel that it is important to have a non-racing option for older
kids but haven’t had the interest to pull it off. If there is interest, please let us know.
Having said that, please only enroll your sailor on the race team if he or she truly want to practice hard 3-4 days a
week, compete at a high level 1-2 days a week, and if you are able to help with travel to local events. This year we
will not be running classes at TAYC if the race team is at an away regatta, it is expected all racers will attend all the
regattas. Both the 420 and Opti teams will be attending National level events for 3+ days this summer.
Please register early as we expect the classes to fill up. Also please note that every registration includes a shirt for
your sailor. We must have the shirt size and registration prior to May 1 to guarantee a shirt for your sailor.
We hope this forum helped answer your questions. If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to ask!
We can’t wait for summer and look forward to seeing you on the water!
-Scott Leppert, Jr. Sail Director
2020 Children’s Activities Committee
Katie Cox 410-310-3985 - katiecox678@gmail.com
Elena Clark 202-744-6468 - elena.howell@gmail.com
Martha Callahan 610-248-7799 - marthapcallahan@gmail.com
Jane O’Mara 443-980-8551 - janedelashmutt@gmail.com
These ladies are wonderful, young mothers who will welcome suggestions from their peers for fun-filled activities.
Has a trip to New Zealand been on your bucket list?
How about NZ in March 2021 to view the next America’s Cup?
TAYC has a unique connection with the Schmitz’s son-in-law, Andrew Campbell,
crewing on the NYYC entry American Magic.
It would be fun to organize a TAYC contingent and plan a trip! We will try to plan now
though we won’t know if the US will be the challenger, but it will be exciting regard-
less. Due to the distance, members will probably wish to extend their stay and perhaps
book some sailboat charters of a variety of travel options.
To wet your appetite, check out this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eTVKkv9xtAo
Search YouTube for Flight School
If you have any interest, please contact
Brud LaMotte: 410-924-1311 bhlamotte@gmail.com
To read more about Andrew’s America’s Cup Team in
Pensacola, FL visit:
https://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/2020/01/23/american-
magic-on-a-mission-of-mercy/
Andrew, Margaux, Wolf, Jacqueline,
Lelde, and Homer
RC Lasers Enjoy the South
Glenn Crowder, John Yates and Dave Sherman from NJ enjoying the weather at the Crowders’ home in
Sebastian, FL. There wasn’t much wind, but that didn’t deter them!
Upcoming Training Sessions
February 29th & March 1st - Advanced Race Management Seminar at AYC Register through US Sailing
March 28th - Race Management Training at TAYC 0830 - 1630 hrs
Eric Feigel, US Sailing Coordinator is the trainer for this One Day Race Management training session. Sharpen
skills, learn more about race management, be a better mark boat. $35 for a whole lot of info on racing!
https://www1.ussailing.org/Enrollment/ViewPrereq.aspx to register.
Contact Katrina for more details: katrinahgreer@icloud.com
April 18th - Race Committee 101 with P/C Tot O’Mara 0830 - 1130 hrs
Get comfortable volunteering on the signal boat, learn the jobs and the lingo with our ever
charismatic Tot O’Mara
Dave Perry Seminar “Rules Quiz”
Saturday, April 18th 1730 - 2130
$40 per person
Please per-register NOW so that we can book Dave.
Contact Katrina to Pre-Register: katrinahgreer@icloud.com
We will need to have a certain minimum of participants
Dave Perry is a much sought after speaker on all aspects of the race start and finish. Annapolis Yacht Club and the
Long Island Racing Association sponsor seminars and rave about the talks.
Dave’s talk will be an entertaining and informative look at situations around the race course where it helps to know
the rules. He will discuss the rules and tactics in each situation. These talks are particularly useful for crews to help
them understand better what will happen next and what information the skipper needs to know. He will be using
video to make many of his points, and will have books for sale and signing.
April 26th - Mark Boat Training with P/C John Devlin 0830 - 1130 hrs
Set accurate marks and handle the anchor line, it’s not that easy to do quickly and accurately!
May 3rd - Power Boating Class
SOLD OUT, but email katrinahgreer@icloud.com to be added to the wait list.
First Aid! Do you know where our defib is? Do you know how to use it? Do you know where our
meetup points for EMS are?
Dates will be announced but a couple short safety courses with Kelly Greenhawk and Oxford
Volunteer Fire Department are in the works.
Coming in June: MOB demo
Coming in July: One on One Power Boating for women
March St. Patrick’s Day Ales and Tales
Wednesday Night Dinner Menus & Burn Your Socks
March 11 - Garden Salad, Homemade Meatloaf, Friday, March 20th
Mashed Potatoes and Gravy, Buttered Peas,
Lemon Meringue Pie $17 1730 hrs
Save the Date
March 25 - Fresh Salad, Grilled Pork
Ribeye with Onion Relish, Smashed Sweet April 22nd Wednesday Night Dinner
Potatoes, Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Dessert $22 Speaker: Gary Jobson
Ales and Tales
March 27th
Cocktails 1730
Dinner 1730 - 1930
Listening Room Concert by Night Watch 1930
Enjoy an evening of acoustic music presented by Night Watch with
local musicians Liz Fisher, Randy Welch, and TAYC member Bob Roe.
The three have been jamming for years and bring a low-key comforta-
ble vibe to the club. Night Watch is known for their tight, three-part
harmonies and inventive arrangements. The mix is upbeat folk,
country, rock, Americana and traditional seafaring music.
Sun Mon Tues Wed Thurs Fri Sat
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Ales and Tales
1730
8 9 10 11 12 13 14
Wednesday
Night Dinner
1800
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
St. Patrick’s Day
Ales and Tales/
Burn Your Socks
1730
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
Ales and Tales Race Management
Wednesday followed by Training
Night Dinner Concert by
1800 Night Watch 0830 - 1630
1730
29 30 31
March 2020
TRED AVON YACHT CLUB TIDE DEADLINE: The 15th for the following PRSTD STD
Month’s Issue. Please submit articles and US PSTG PD
P.O. BOX 337, Oxford, MD 21654 MAIL MOVERS
photos to KatlinTheTide@tayc.com
Address Service Requested
THE TIDE
Since 1950 - - Published Monthly
OFFICERS
Commodore: Douglas Abbott
Vice Commodore: Thomas Campbell
Rear Commodore: Karen M. Singleton
Secretary: Jeffrey Cox
Treasurer: P/C Joseph Weaver
Fleet Chaplain: The Rev. Kevin M. Cross
Fleet Surgeon: Douglas Wiseman, M.D.
BOARD OF GOVERNORS
Thomas DeMarco, MD · Richard Ward · John Knud-Hansen, MD
William McAllister · Robert Sommerlatte · Veronica Wainwright
Ed Cassidy - Past Commodore
BUSINESS OFFICE
Vicky Van Loo, Manager
410-226-5269
manager@tayc.com www.tayc.com
Please make reservations by contacting the club office.
Sun Mon Tues Wed Thurs Fri Sat
1 2 3 4
April 2020 Ales and Tales
1730
Clean Up
Fix Up
0900 - 1200
5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Annual Meeting Wednesday
1630 Night Dinner
1800
12 1 14 15 16 17 18
Race Committee
Easter Brunch 101 0830 - 1130
Ales and Tales
Dave Perry
1730 Seminar
1730 - 2130
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
Wednesday Ales and Tales
Night Dinner 1730
1800
26 Shields 27 28 29 30
Spring Series
Mark Boat
Training
0830 - 1130
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