The GBCA Cannon - January Issue

by Duane Bez

Good Bye, 2008. Hello, 2009!

Any "year in review" essay about the sailing community in the Galveston Bay area in 2008 would have to admit it was a tough year. But the resilience of the sailors has shown through.
            Many of GBCA's round-the-buoy races early in the year had to be delayed, restarted or cancelled due to lack of or shifty wind. But Fleet Captain Kevin Box plugged on and the racers understood the problem and appreciated his efforts. It was amazing how often it happened over several regattas in different months. In the previous year, when I was running the races and he was on the mark set boat, we got so lucky he only remembers moving a mark once all year. But fluky winds turned out to be a minor annoyance.
            Hurricane Ike sure made a mockery of those little problems. It bashed boats, trashed club houses and destroyed the homes of some of our members. Clean up is still in progress, and will be for some time. Of course, the remainder of the year's sailing schedule was tossed in the dumper like so much soggy drywall. But not too long after the clouds had cleared, it seemed right to get back on the water. Sailing the impromptu FYI Regatta gave many a break from the reality of Ike and gave us a chance to enjoy the company of our fellow sailors. And just as important, we raised over $2000 for the American Red Cross Hurricane Ike relief.
            The Cynthia Woods tragedy will be remembered for many years to come. The unselfish sacrifice of Roger Stone should be an inspiration for all of us, not only as sailors, but as human beings as well. And we shouldn't forget the professionalism of Steve Conway in keeping his crew together. They brought their crew home.
            I think it is right though, that we continue to sail and race as recreation, because enjoying the life we have been given and the wonder of the world around us must be part of life's purpose. What a drudgery if it wasn't. What a waste if we didn't.
            One of the fun things introduced in 2008 was Kevin Box's invention-the Conundrum Regatta. The variable nature of the course captured a lot of interest for a first time event. It will be a challenge to pull off something like that this year because the Galveston Yacht Club is no more. But I'm certainly looking forward to it!
            Another new development that should continue and improve in 2009 is the gbca.org website has migrated to a new server. Thank you, Kevin Bednar. Soon it should have a fresh new look and have more capabilities for GBCA members as well as the Board. GBCA owes many, many thanks to Dave Hinrichsen and Stuart Lindow for creating and maintaining the website for the past decade.
            The New Year, 2009, has certainly gotten off to a great start. Two Icicle Series races with the wind around 20 knots! And the first race was shorts and T-shirt weather! Let's hope this is an omen. Kevin Box has taken over as Commodore and I know he'll bring a ton of energy and creativity to that role. Jim Powers is taking on the yeoman duty of Fleet Captain. And Jody Henry, Chris Kelly, Emma Browning are returning again even after many years of service to the board of GBCA. Kathlyn is still searching for unique trophies and Becky Doxey returns as Treasurer. Our new board members are Chris Alk and Beverly Caldwell. Also returning are Vicki Ryhne, Jim Tyson and Brian Hawboldt. And I move to the position I am probably most qualified for-Past Commodore.
            In my first article as Commodore I closed with a reminder that what we do, racing sailboats, no matter how intense it gets, is for enjoyment. Let's try to continue with that attitude, but remember the huge responsibility we have as skippers when we take people out on the water. Remember, this is SERIOUS FUN. See you on the bay! Duane