Table of Contents:

1. Keith Conrad, Commodore
2. Bill Rumbold, Vice Commodore
3. Bob Bachman, Rear Commodore
4. Joe Payne, Sail Regatta Chair
5. Recreational Boaters Association- Gas Cap Bill 
6. Cruising Season Preps
7. Bret Halffman, Environmental Chair
8. From your WebMaster 

From:  Keith Conrad, Commodore

Tacoma Yacht Club Daffodil Parade was a great success. BYC took the Mayor's cup for best decorated boat and a second for the trivial pursuit game. Thanks to Capt. Sengstock and Diane for all of the great ideas and hard work.  P/C Miller worked very hard to coordinate all of the moving parts, good job! Also thanks to Nancy Haustveit for the last minute decorations.

This will be my last towline article as Commodore with elections on May 6th and Installation on May 17th. Shelley and I have enjoyed the past three years very much and have been proud to have represented Bremerton Yacht Club. It is time for us have a break and catch-up on some other things. The new slate of Officers are very capable and BYC will continue to be the best Yacht Club in the Puget Sound.

I want to thank all of my Committee Chairmen for their hard work during the past year. Your hard work and dedication, has been very much appreciated. I also want to thank the Executive Committee for their support and good judgment on the issues presented. Although the Committee was long winded for the most part, it was very productive.  

Outstation update: The Hearing Board rejected Tacoma's request for unlimited moorage and sent it back to the Hearing Examiner for re-evaluation. There has been positive progress, in that the Health Department concluded that 200 boats could be in the Bay without impacting the shellfish areas. Tacoma must now reach an agreement with BYC to share in this number. Then I feel our issues will be resolved. BYC membership is requested to limit outstation use to 13 boats at one time. 

"Do your share plus a little" and always be positive.

Keith & Shelley Conrad
Commodore
Awesome Ospreys 

From: Bill Rumbold, Vice Commodore

If it is the middle of March I know spring must be just about here, but as I am writing this (Mar 18th), snow is blowing around and it is miserable out. In spite of the weather, buds are appearing on the trees and flowers are pushing up and blooming. It won't be long before everyone (including me) is scrambling to get their boat ready for some cruisin' time. Unfortunately, my procrastinating overrides my good intentions and I know I shall see some bright sunny days while I am still moored tight to the dock. Oh well!

For those of you that were planning on attending the Sunday morning breakfast on March 24th I apologize for canceling it out without a fair warning. Mike Stouffer (the chairman for the breakfast) and I took a hard look at the galley condition and determined it best to cancel rather than flop and flail our way through and put out a mediocre breakfast. Bear with us and we will be up and running again soon!

If you were looking for big fish I guess it would be hard to classify the Fishing Derby as a huge success, but from a participation standpoint it was great! Twenty-three intrepid souls ventured forth and had a nice day enjoying the scenery.  Cal McDonald was the first place winner with a 5.9 lbs. Blackmouth. I am convinced Cal can catch fish out of a mud puddle!  Thanks to Doug Smith for chairing the event.

Don't forget the Wine Tasting on Mar 29th. Pat Alexander has some great wines to please your palate. 

We have another Friday Night Social on April 12th with Mike Dunn chairing it and PC Bob Wheeler presenting a personal travelogue of Jytte's and his trip to China. Some of you have taken your boats up the Fraser River to Harrison Hot Springs. Can you imagine cruising up the Yangtze? What an adventure! I have seen some of Bob's photos from other trips. I am sure we can all enjoy a trip through China with Bob and Jytte.

Breakfast on Sunday April 21st should be a real tummy teaser with Bud & Ellen Zimmerman hosting it. 

At a recent Junior Officers Ball, we asked our counterpart from the Seattle Yacht Club, Vice Commodore Dick Johnson to give us a run down of their disastrous fire and any lessons learned from it. Dick was most emphatic on two issues! The first being they should have had a standby agreement with an environmental cleanup company so they would have had immediate response capability to the fire and boat sinkings.  Since they did not, the feds got involved and the price more than quadrupled and SYC lost control of the action. This was discussed at the last E-Comm meeting and I am getting documentation from Foss Environmental to look over in anticipation of implementing such an agreement. The second issue is more personal to every boat owner. While one boat originated the fire, ALL BOATS that sunk are individually responsible for their share of the cleanup! Insurance adjusters are working the issue, but Dick emphasized we should all check our policies to be certain that we have a Fuel and Other Spill Liability clause in the policy. This applies wherever you are, not just at BYC. BE PRUDENT, CHECK YOUR POLICY. 

Bill Rumbold
Vice Commodore 

From: Bob Bachman, Rear Commodore

April has been a good month. Through the generosity of the Skipperettes and the ingenuity of Chief Skipperette Fund Raiser, Arlene Gorsky, the Club was presented a beautiful, new barbecue at Skippers Night for our use at Oro Bay. Incidentally, half the money was raised by a very clever Arlene during their cruise to Oro Bay over New Years. She managed to acquire a very attractive number of boaty things, like a handheld GPS and VHF plus other good "stuff" to put up for auction. The guys thought "Hey cool" and the bidding commenced. How long it took them to realize they were bidding on things that came off their own boats one can only guess but half the cost of an expensive barbecue? That must have been one wingding of a party. Congrats, Arlene!! I'll be sure to never bid on anything in the future without close inspection first. By the way, I've recorded all my serial numbers.

April was also unusual in that our Skipperettes hosted a second WIC luncheon in six months. 93 in attendance and a big success, especially considering what we're presently calling a galley. 

The reason I mentioned the WIC luncheon was because the weekend before saw Dale Armstrong, Jim Griffith, Gerry Hall, Bob McQuaid, Lewie Morris and your Rear scrambling to get some temporary water going, the gas ranges moved and plumbed, and last but probably the most important, the dishwasher up and running. Yes., it works!! And a dandy job it does ,too. When we lit it off we were watching for smoke and leaks but all we saw was steam in all the right places. Keeping our fingers and toes crossed, hopefully the galley will be DONE by June 1st.

The carpet has arrived for our conference room and is awaiting an installer. Hint! Hint! It looks quite different down there even without the carpet down. You should wander down for a look.

The north foyer is undergoing remodeling and I expect by the time you read this in the Towline it will be complete.

The west entrance is also getting a make over thanks to Mike Leedy.

If you look in the lounge you'll see that we have all new bulletin boards that match the surrounding woodwork, thank you again, Gary Clauson. Painting in the lounge is to commence on Daffodil weekend under the tutelage of Harry Davis. Some inconvenience to everyone, sorry. 

A personal item. Over the last six months or so many people have asked why I was spending so much time at the Club working, that I should leave it for Work Party and that I wasn't elected to work. I know everyone meant this in the very best way and it was much appreciated, but I was doing this before I entered the Chairs and most certainly will still be after I'm through. I've said several times in previous columns that this Club belongs to all of us. We each own a part of it and as an owner why wouldn't I want to make this Club look as good as I can and kept in the best working order just as if it were my own home. I take pride in what I have and I take a lot of pride in this Club. When the work party hours are announced for each year, that is the minimum of what your Club is asking of you, not the maximum. Take pride, you own this place. When something needs repair or replacing, step up, clear it with the appropriate chairperson and DO IT. Don't leave it for someone else because they may be leaving it for you. Griping is easy. If you want to see things happen become involved. This Club is much more than just cheap moorage. Just look around and see how many P/C's are still very active in OUR Club as Skupperettes, 'E' Committee members, chairpersons, or working special projects. These people have put in their time and if anyone could skate it's them, but they have that important ingredient that makes our Club what it is -PRIDE! They are concerned to see that things are the best that they can be. 

Now, with that said, Gerri and I are heading out to Seagull for our cruise to Daffodil.
Where the #$%& is Spring?

Bob Bachman
Rear Commodore

Re: Cruising Season Preps

Well, it's that time of year again when our thoughts turn to using our boats more as the weather warms.  As the time honored effort of scrubbing, cleaning, polishing and varnishing gets under way, I want to bring to your attention a couple of etiquette based concerns that need your attention too.

The first is the condition of and proper display of flags, pennants and our Club burgee on your boat.   The weather and the sun take a toll on these items and too easily we are apt to ignore them.  Take a look at you United States Ensign and your Club burgee and see if they are at all tattered or faded.  These are the most important as they show your pride in your nation and BYC.  High quality replacements are available in the Club store.

For information on how and where to display these properly, take a look at a copy of Chapman's where a whole chapter is devoted to yachting traditions.  A copy is available in the Club lounge.

Secondly, watch your wake.  It takes a full half mile for your rolling stern wake (not bow wake) to die out.  Nothing identifies a rude boater faster than an inappropriate wake.  And the first thing people look for is the Burgee to see the offending club.

So, as the season gets under way, remember to be courteous as you are having fun.

      P/C Bob Wheeler

FROM: Recreational Boaters Association Of Washington (RBAW)
 LEGISLATIVE NEWS for FEBRUARY 2002

Recreational Boaters Association Of Washington (RBAW)
 LEGISLATIVE NEWS for FEBRUARY 2002
1. Gas Cap Bill:

First, some history:  Wallop-Breaux are the names of two legislators who sponsored a Bill that refunded federal boat fuel taxes to the states.  In this state we pay approximately 24 cents per gallon federal road tax on diesel and gas and 23 cents per gallon on gasoline at marina pumps. Marina diesel is exempt from the state tax. All of these are road user fees. Therefore since boats do not use the roads, and we do have water facilities to maintain, it makes sense for the road user fees to be refunded for boat related services. 

In this state the 23 cents per gallon on gasoline can be reclaimed. But only 18 cents is refundable to the boater, and from that the state will deduct  6 cents as sales tax that is payable.  Unclaimed (by boaters who do not file for their refund) state gasoline road user fees go to the IAC. This is the Interagency for Outdoor Recreation. After deducting administrative charges, the balance goes to state parks for marine parks uses.  The IAC was formed as a result of the boaters Initiative 215 in 1964. This in turn required the IAC to be set up for the purpose of handling the refunds from fuel. 

The 18th Amendment of the State Constitution was also as a result of this Initiative.  When legislators passed the Bill in 1990 that locked boat gasoline road user fee refunds at 18 cents, and then they increased the tax to 23 cents, it ignored the Initiative and the State Constitutional requirements, and transferred boaters money (5 cents per gallon) to roads.  Since 1995 the State Senate has passed a Bill every year to remove the 1990 Cap (18 cents). The House has rejected the Bill every year. RBAW has been behind the Senate each time, and we have been thrown out of the Transportation Chairpersons office with a "get lost" attitude. This year, because the House would like support for a fuel tax increase, the House Transportation Chair will support the Cap removal and increase it to 23 cents. 

The federal refunds pay for 75% of the cost for pump-out station installations. No subsequent maintenance finance is allowed. This has to come from other sources, and some of this, for state parks is from the 18 cents refunded through IAC.  As stated above, the latest House Transportation Budget includes the proviso to make all 23 cents of road user fee refundable. If this passes the Senate it would put another $3 million per biennium into marine state parks, and launching ramp maintenance.  For the past seven years the senate has supported this proposal. It is the first time the House Transportation Chairpersons have been willing to work with us.  RBAW supports this Bill.

2.  The Derelict Vessel Bill (HB 2376)

The one significant point for registered boaters is the increase in registration fees by $2.00 per year.  This money will be dedicated to removing abandoned vessels for which no owner can be traced. These are designated as derelict vessels.  RBAW supports this Bill.

3. Should all boats be registered? (Bill yet to be identified)
Note:  "unregistered" boats are those under 16 feet and typically with no power such as kayaks, row boats and sailing dinghies.  These small craft represent about 75% of the boats in Washington State.  Why register these boats you ask?  Consider the following:

1. The fatality rate would be more than halved. Registered boats have unregistered boat fatalities added to their totals. This usually increases the number by 300 to 400  percent. (2001 was different and is an anomaly).

2. Reduced fatality rates would affect the insurance rates for registered boaters advantageously (lower premiums). Fatality rates are a factor in premium calculations.
3. The amount of federal refunds would be increased. The number of registered boats is a factor in the refund of boats fuel calculations.
4. Police water safety units would receive funding from the boating sector that traditionally uses 70% or more of the funding provided by registered boaters. Unregistered boaters contribute nothing for the services they almost monopolize.
5. Without this additional revenue and with reduced patrols because of further fund reductions, an increase in fatalities is probable. With increased fatalities there is the risk of increased insurance premiums for registered boaters. 
6. With all boat owners identified, safety and aquatic nuisance information can be distributed to those who need it. Aquatic nuisance is a fresh water issue and 99% of the problem is generated by trailered boats.
7. Ninety percent of stolen vessels are in the unregistered category. Registration would help police units in recoveries, and small boat theft would be reduced.
 

4. Liveaboards:

The state passed a law that says boating is a water dependent activity. This allows the DNR to "permit"  people to live aboard their boats while in state regulated marinas. Stupid? No it is the law. 

There are liveaboard boaters in lakes as well as on the Sound. Discharges in waters that have little to no flow through create problems that have to be addressed. This means all boaters become threatened. RBAW is trying to get with Doug Sutherland to discuss the DNR policies on grey water.  With all of the forestry problems, boaters are not a top priority, but we will keep trying. 

         P/C Bob Wheeler
         BYC-RBAW Rep.
 

From your Environmental Chair:

Hi, my name is Bret Halffman, I'm your Environmental Chairperson. I've always believed when it comes to environmental issues that "No news is good news" meaning we have been doing a great job keeping this club in compliance with the laws and haven't had to address any problems in the past year. 

To ensure we stay on top of things, please continue using BMP (best management practices) to protect our environment. Take a moment and check out the latest BMP brochure hanging on the club store bulletin board or go online to www.cleanboating.com for the latest and greatest information. If you haven't read it in a while, it may be time to brush up. 

One of my duties is to ensure the Hazardous Storage Area is in compliance with Federal Regulations. How can I help out you say? Here's your answer:

1. Do not leave containers of any kind in the shed I.E. 1 gal. Anti-freeze bottles or used oil filters. You can drain them but do not leave them there. Manage your time when draining containers by setting them up to drain and coming back later that same day to discard the container.

2. If you notice a tank nearing its full mark, Put a "FULL DO NOT USE" note on the tank and contact me ASAP @ 308-9120 night or 476-9185 days. I will arrange for it to be pumped. For those of you feeling real energetic call the pickup number located in your BYC Annual.

3. If you spill anything in or near the sheds, clean it up.

4. ABSOLUTELY DO NOT leave any containers laying around with substances in it. Worst case scenario: We get Local, State or Federal audited and have to pay for expensive testing to find out what it is, then it has to be cleaned up, and a possible fine. Of course then, we will probably be subject to more auditing in the future? Let's not go there.

Pat yourselves on the back for doing your part and keeping the club areas environmentally sound.

Capt.Halffman 

From: your WebMaster

The web team is looking for artwork to help spruce up the web page. Looking for photos of the clubhouse or other artwork that could be used at the top level of the web page to show some important aspect of BYC. Paper or electronic artwork is acceptable.

Also, a reminder that we are looking for volunteers for working on the web page. If you would be interested in learning more about HTML or how to setup and modify web pages, contact webteam@bremertonyachtclub.org We are also looking for people that might be interested in scanning or typing in some of the paper history of BYC suitable for web access or other electronic storage of the club history.

If you like messing around with the computer, this can be a nice way to earn points.  A lot cleaner work than scrapping barnacles... 

Just a reminder to check the web page for upcoming events, and if you want to add something to the web page, contact the web team via the web page. www.bremertonyachtclub.org We've had a lot of favorable comments, and I want to keep it that way by making sure the web page is current and relevant to members of the community.

Also, for those members that had email via @home, please contact daveu@sptddog.com to let me know your new email address. I am already collecting email addresses for next years annual.

Dave Uebele