by Vincent Ruder

The Texas Challenge Cup was conceived some four years ago as a way to promote competition and camaraderie among the area sailing clubs. Every year each club’s fleet captain along with other organizers get together to plan this event. Racing and competition are set forth in the Deed of Gift. This year it was decided that racing would be on J109’s, J80’s and J22’s.

Each club’s fleet captain is given the task of lining up boats and crew. One of the rules is that participants must belong to the club they are representing. This brings up an interesting problem at the onset. How can a club participate in the event if the racing venue calls for a design of boat that isn’t owned by anyone at your club? Recognizing that this can be a problem each club is allowed to have one member of the crew who isn’t a member of the club. That person is not allowed to helm the boat. With a little bit of coercion and huge quantities of rum, that dilemma gets quickly averted.

With the boats lined up, now its time to get the right mix of crew. Not an easy thing to do. There are so many sailors to pick from with so few spots to fill.

Crew selection this year at GBCA started off with the drivers. The venue called for a maximum of five races. By rule, any person is not allowed to drive more then three races. A quick calculation quickly shows a minimum of six helm’s people are required. After asking nine or so people, it looked like everything was all set. Aaargh. If you’ve ever run a sail boat campaign you know your crew is about as solid as the San Andreas fault. That solid base took many twists and turns before ending up in what was witnessed during the competition.

With the helms people set, the fleet captain instructed them to build crew. How can something that appears so easy be so difficult? GBCA has a unique spot in the sailing community. Many members also belong to HYC and LYC. Potential crew people ended up being unavailable because they had already committed to racing for another club. Finally, after two months of work to complete crew rosters, GBCA is finally ready to go racing.

Going into the competition the GBCA fleet captain felt like there was a legitimate chance to pull off a victory this year. Something GBCA has never done. They felt like they had the best boats, the best crew and the best supporting club. The big day arrives with yet another change to the crew list. Foredeck on the J22 didn’t pan out. The GBCA fleet captain reluctantly steps aboard.

Day one of racing is full of disappointment and surprises. Expecting to do really well, the J109 boat is in third place. The J80’s aren’t able to put any points between them and the competition. After three races there is a three way tie. The surprise of the day is the J22 ending up with three straight bullets. With the first day of competition completed, GBCA has a two point lead!

Day two started with excited anticipation. The racers left the dock with a slightly different focus. Protect the lead and win the regatta. The forecast was for a building breeze with sunny skies and mid 70 temperatures. Without any doubt it was an absolutely beautiful day on Galveston Bay.

It’s easy to let one slip away if you aren’t on top of your game. Everyone on the race course wanted to win. After the first race, GBCA found that their two point lead had slipped to one. Things got a little interesting prior to the prestart of the fifth and final race. Club boats were exchanging information about finishes in other classes; then looking around to search out the competition making sure they knew who needed to be covered to preserve a club victory.

An amazing turn of events occurred during the last race. The GBCA J80 boat completes a tight race just seconds in front of the HYC J80. The J109 was able to keep a cover on the boat that they needed to beat. A maneuver by team members on the J22 allowed another boat to finish between the GBCA J109 and the HYC J109. Either one of those events allowed GBCA to secure a club victory.

With racing completed and eager to get the official results, the GBCA boats sailed back to the dock. Upon arrival they were greeted by the fleet captain and other club members showing support and toting rum. Full of excitement, the fleet captain took off to seek out the official results. Later, she returns with the results proudly pinned to her shirt. GBCA has won the TCC for the first time, by three points. Let the party begin!

The greatly anticipated awards presentation had finally begun. The J109 class was won by LYC. After two days of racing the J80 class ended up sailing to a three way tie for first place. The tie breaker went to TCYC. The biggest influence in the regatta was the J22 class. They had three bullets winning by three points and giving the victory to GBCA! Congratulations GBCA!

Rainy weather, big winds, light winds and one freezing cold Sunday did not stop those that participated in the 23rd Annual Compass Bank Performance Cup Regatta. With the help of sponsors, Compass Bank, Doyle Sailmakers and Hayes Rigging, this year's Bank Regatta was a resounding success.

Obstructions in Galveston Bay have resurfaced again as we've recently had a state elected official down sailing with a friend of mine. She was surprised to hear about all the pipes inside and outside our waterways that are exposed enough during low tide to be seen and noted by those out every weekend day or night. She heard the description of the damage and danger awaiting unaware boaters. She was also made aware of the liability issues of trying to take care of this ourselves and if our ideas of removal would actually work.

As I understand, we first need to meet as a group. I believe that an organization like GBCA, one of many major users of Galveston Bay, is a good primary contact source and has the assertiveness to implement the process if given the means. The first meeting will involve formulating a list to obtain bids from preferably local commercial companies to locate obstructions based on our recordings. This will consist of three vendors and information regarding who they are, describing their credentials and qualifications, e.g., experience - work ethics - and credibility.

I believe we should involve Lakewood Yacht Club, Houston Yacht Club, Waterford Yacht Club, TCYC, etc., and organize a group of volunteers to form a coalition to meet regarding the issue. We must not fail to identify a single obstruction, nor should we neglect to feature a single presenter of ideas.

From what I have learned, the State is not even sure at this point who will be responsible for the elimination of obstacles, and if the waterways we speak about (outside commercial ship channels and waterways) are within their jurisdiction. Yet there should be some things they could do if the budget is available and the jurisdiction can be identified. We would want to present our recommended budget for removal of the obstructions. Factors we need to consider in what it would cost in order to have these obstructions removed include: a) a diver with a torch, b) a team to support the diver, c) a team to support the hauling of these obstructions. What else?

I'm no expert on how to do this, and I need your help to have these obstructions identified and removed. If we all work together, surely we can bring the matter to a level where we can get some sort of action, making our Bay safer for everyone.

There is no guarantee that all this will result in immediate action. We can only hope that we have found the political contacts to set us on the right course to deal with this matter. Identifying the correct budget estimates is important. If we want to ask for any consideration for money to be allocated during the next state budget cycle, our estimate would have to be presented prior to January, 2007, but after the November general election (because the elected officials are busy campaigning until after the general election date).

The key is to develop a relationship with our ‘Local’ elected officials, make them aware of obstructions, and convince them that they need to help us (their constituents). Our collective efforts should be more effective than a less organized effort by a few individuals. As always, results take effort, and good things take time to achieve.

The Texas Railroad Commission, that regulates oil and gas in Texas, has mailed a chart of abandoned wells to my friend in Seabrook. The official does not represent this area, but she has spoken to the Chairman of the Texas Railroad Commission about the problem as a favor to my friend, and that is how we came to have the chart. I am positive that we are going to be able to add to those existing obstructions. This official again emphasized that it is important to bring this issue to the attention of our local state elected officials so they can help us get the attention it needs. My friend will make the appointments with the local officials. If you guys are in agreement with this effort, I am willing to coordinate this for us.

Please contact Capt. Rita at skipperrita@aol.com (subject: "Obstructions,"). . . . . indicating your interest and availability for discussion. We need to meet as a group between Nov 8th and Dec 1st. Our first meeting will focus on research of vendors, plotted chart of obstructions, and political contacts.

As we approach an important anniversary year in 2007, it's time for all of us to celebrate the accomplishments of the last 60 years and look to the future. From its origins as the "Stout Fella Organization of Galveston Bay" to the present day GBCA, we have seen a lot of changes.

The one constant throughout our 60 year history has been the exclusive use of volunteers to both manage the organization and to continue to carry out its mission. I would like to thank all the volunteers that make this organization "The Place to Race". Our volunteer base goes beyond flag officers, board members and members. It also includes a long list of sponsors and benefactors. I encourage you to become a volunteer if you are not already one; I also encourage you to promote GBCA by encouraging friends to join. If you are a member, I encourage you to consider joining the board and serving as an officer.

As we look back on 2006, we have many reasons to celebrate. This year we brought racing back to Galveston as part of the TORC, with lots of support from participants and members. We expect this event to grow, prosper and stay in Galveston. This year also saw GBCA win its first Texas Challenge Cup – a great credit to the sailing talent within our membership. We are also looking forward to making "Race To The Border" a marquee event for GBCA and look forward to increased participation.

Next year will bring new challenges. With the near certainty of having to relocate our Clubhouse due to a new land development project, we will have our hands full. I encourage all our members and friends to offer input and guidance as we look to the future and transition into alternate space. I have truly enjoyed my tenure on the board and I thank our members, board and sponsors for their support and commitment to GBCA.

If you have any information on the individuals listed below, - for example: a phone number, address, relative's address, etc. Please contact Jody Henry at jhenry@shwgroup.com.

• 2006-Greg Casamayor
• 2005-Johnny Jones
• 2004-Dexter Reed
• 2003-Jeff Kitterman
• 2002-Kevin Hayes
• 2001-Dave Hinrichson
• 2000-Bill Tyer
• 1999-Don Kugle
• 1998-Mike Seich
• 1997-Dave Person
• 1996-Marion Hayes
• 1995-Bill Tyer
• 1994-Roy Weeks
• 1993-Cathy Clark Harry
• 1992-Frank Tuma
• 1991-Marco Amadeo
• 1990-Ron Shepherd
• 1989-Tom McClughan
• 1988-Darlene Aldridge
• 1987-Jim Best
• 1986-Tom McClughan
• 1985-Gordon Evans
• 1984-Buck Gay
• 1983-John Arnold
• 1982-Ken Davis
• 1981-Bill Scott
• 1980-Lloyd Ludlam
• 1979-Logan Haycraft
• 1978-Ed Matthews
• 1977-Jack Progelhof
• 1976-Frank Tuma
• 1975-Jack Southern
• 1974-Gerald Smith
• 1973-David Whitaker
• 1972-Joel B. Coolidge
• 1971-Harry M. Anderson
• 1970-Everett C. Pauls
• 1969-J. Howard Williams
• 1968-Elbridge H. Gerry
• 1967-S.G. "Gus" Kolius
• 1966-Platt W. Davis, Jr
• 1965-James M. Reber
• 1964-Fred Maudlin
• 1963-J. Howard Williams
• 1962-Howard S. Cole
• 1961-Geroge C. Francisco, III
• 1960-Louis M. Mott-Smith
• 1959-Don J. Genitempo
• 1958-James C. Ivins
• 1957-G.A. "Pop" Mabry
• 1956-Carroll D. Blanchard
• 1955-H.P. Hoepfner
• 1954-Clyde Gamble
• 1953-1947-R.G. "Bud" Smith

• Icicle Series: January 6, 13, 20, 27 and February 3, 2007
• Commodore's Ball: February 24, 2007
• Texas Race Week at Galveston: April 26- 28, 2007
• Race to the Border: June 2 - 9, 2007

by Chris Kelley

GBCA’s 2007 schedule starts off with the Icicle series. A 5 weekend series modeled after the popular summer rum races, with a triangle course and “rabbit” type starts.

Now is the perfect chance to try out all the new foul weather gear and carbon fiber “bling-bling” you asked for over the holidays!

In general, 2006, weather cooperated and we had great turnout. Some would argue the best sailing weather in Houston is in January, especially when compared to the misery our friends up north have to deal with.

This race is designed for everyone. In fact, last year, a Catalina 22 won several of the spinnaker races.

Provisional PHRF ratings are available if you’re a newbie and want to try your hand at racing. As always, this series is free, but you gotta be a GBCA member to accumulate series points.

Also, one of the races in the series will mark the return of the Judge Elihu Smails Memorial race. Keep those ascots, blazers and skipper hats at the ready to participate in the “Flying Wasp” class in late January. It’s going to be alot of fun.

Here’s the perfect chance to cure cabin fever! Races start Jan 6 and run thru each Saturday to February 3.

NOR to be posted on the homepage of www.gbca.org

Is there an event you're interested in, contact someone on the board and help make GBCA the best it can be!