SDSPS 50th Anniversary Burgee

San Diego
Sail & Power Squadron

San Diego, CA

On Saturday, October 23, San Diego Sail & Power Squadron hosted the Cruiser Navigation Contest, one of the big boating events that we do.

SDSPS, along with each yacht club in the area, spends one Saturday a month on the water, in a competition that is similar to a road rally. Participation is available to any Squadron member that has a power boat which meets certain requirements, such as the ability to maintain 6.5 knots. Many folks that do not have a boat, and wish to be on the water become members of the Observers Association and participate as timekeepers on each boat. While this is not a Squadron related activity, most of its members have been recruited from the Squadron. If you are interested in finding out how you can become involved, be sure to attend the November GMM and ask David Weimer all about Cruiser Navigation.

The importance of SDSPS being involved is many-fold. It provides us a venue to share who and what we are to the boating public; joining in supports the boating activities portion of our membership triangle, and we become a part of the yacht club boating community by doing our fair share in hosting a luncheon.

David Weimer and Steven Bakalis were the most instrumental in making this event come together successfully. David begins about this time each year planning next year’s race. He checks the Power Squadron and District schedules, and ensures that an open date is available with his yacht club (CYC) and has to have it scheduled with SDAYC before December. SDAYC publishes an insert in The Log annually with all boating activities, including this race. David then coordinates every detail required with the yacht club, which is a major task. We sure would love to recruit a new candidate to take this over next year so that David can focus on the race instead of the meal! David also develops the race course along with purchasing the trophies.

Steven not only did a fine job in provisioning, but purchased all the food as well. He spends a great deal of time to ensure that he has every item required to set up the buffet line and keep the contestants happy. He also organizes the volunteers and on top of all that – he’s chef as well.

Commander Dave Baer, P/C Tom Swift, Chris Pikus, and Sue Pasterkiewicz, (a personal MBYC recruit), arrived early to set up and be prepared when the CNC’ers arrived on the scene. P/D/C Bill Bridge, who was out on the water as an observer joined the group to assist where he could. P/C Marie Baer (Navigator) along with Judy Martorana (Scrutinizer) from Just Deserts (David Weimer’s boat) arrived to assist Sue P. with the serving duties. Judy is with the Manatee Squadron in Florida, and didn’t miss a beat in getting involved.

Meanwhile, Dave went down to the guest dock to handle lines and get all the contestants in stern-to, fitting just like sardines in a can! There’s an opportunity here to practice your Seamanship skills! Bob Ehlers (Commodore of San Diego Cruisers Association) announced the scores, while Commander Dave Baer passed out the trophies with many photo opportunities available. Everyone joined in the cleanup duties, making light work for all. The crowd dispersed and the guest dock was cleared in a matter minutes. David Weimer offered rides back to his marina to those that assisted, as long as they had transportation back to get their vehicles at CYC! A great tour was provided for Judy’s benefit, being that the trip down was rather intense during the contest trying to following the course!

Thank you very much to those of you that volunteered your time for this major event! There are a multitude of tasks that can be done, and the more people that participate the less work it is for any one member. If you are interested, please offer to volunteer for next year's contest now to David Weimer.

Submitted by: P/C Marie Baer, Boating Activities Chair