Commodores Comments

When a fiberglass vessel gets soft or spongy, you take quick action to repair the problem. It is worse than you thought. We have a 1994 Boston Whaler that has been a steady and fun boat, but the ravages of time created some soft spots in the deck. Fortunately, past Commodore Steve Hanson is an experienced boat builder and speaks fluent glass.

Steve is very generous with his time and knowledge in everything boat related. He loves to sail and teach sailing as much as he enjoys boat building. I called Steve and described my problem. He invited me to his home for a lesson. Steve unraveled the mysteries behind the WestSystem epoxy and resin, the myriad product numbers, pumps, the mystery of the fiberglass (“glass”) cloth, the filler and fairing compounds. Warning: there is a fair amount of grinding, sanding, cutting and safety gear involved. Fire is a real possibility.

After touring Steve’s beautiful grounds, he gave me a hands-on course applying epoxy and glass. These are skills I’ve heard about for years but have never seen or practiced. In a short visit, Steve lifted the veil and I’m an avid devotee. I came home and went to work on our Boston Whaler. A few days later, the soft spots were cured and the sanding completed. I’m not signing up for the shipyard, but I am happy in the knowledge I’ve acquired.

The yacht club has a few soft spots and you don’t have to speak fluent glass to help fix them. TENNIS COURT. Gary Hermanson has a done a great job working with the contractor on the court. Ben Rennolds Tennis did the crack repair, painting and striping. The old courts were in very bad shape, but now we have two very good courts that are being used regularly by tennis and pickle ball players. Please check out the courts and play a few sets. We need all of you to help maintain the good condition of the courts.

Like a boat, a tennis court may not sit idle without maintenance. If you see water on the court, please grab the roller and push the water off the court. If you see leaves and other debris on the courts, please grab the broom and sweep them off or get a blower and clean the court. You don’t have to speak fluent glass to keep the court in good shape but you have to help. Organizations struggle because 10% of the members do 90% of the work 100% of the time. The Ware River Yacht Club prides itself on being a member supported organization. Members, please get out and support your club.

The tennis court renovation was very expensive. If you have not donated to the renovation fund, please do so now. The courts are beautiful and playable. It is a very private setting for fun and competitive games. Organize your friends in weekly games, a tennis ladder or a weekend Tournament de Ware Neck. Use your club facilities but also help maintain them.

Keeping on the self help, learn how to fix and fix things theme, please sign up to help with the Governor’s Cup Sailing Regatta August 6-7, 2022. This is a great event. It is the showcase event for the yacht club, and we are proud to host and run it. It is always a great crew of people that travel from afar to enjoy the bounty of our club. We need volunteers to help with traffic control, food service and preparation, skipper and crew

check in, sales, scoring calculation and on the water work (crew and boat operators). You do not need prior experience. A good attitude carries the day.

Nautical term: Baggywrinkle - a soft covering for lines on vessels to prevent chafing the

sails.

Fair winds and following seas.

John A. Singleton

Commodore