2006 NW Ericson Rendezvous - Discussion

[Sean Engle]

Please use this thread for continued discussion of the 2006 NW Ericson Rendezvous. Info on the event follows. Also see the 'Announcement' on the event I will be posting to the top of this forum (until after June 16-18, 2006 - then it will disappear!).

Please note that as of January 8th, 2006, the venue of the 2006 NW Ericson Rendezvous has been moved to Sidney, BC. The facility at Port Townsend was damaged by a storm, and is unable to host us this year.

Thanks,
//sse


Dates: June 16-18, 2006
Location: Port Sidney Marina.

The contact info for Port Sidney is:

Port Sidney Marina
9835 Seaport Place, Sidney, B.C., V8L 4X3
Tel: 001 250 655 3711, Fax: 001 250 655 3771, VHF Channel 66A

lcurry@portsidney.com

Links for information about Sidney and places to stay for those driving:

http://www.hotelsidney.com/

Other links of interest:

http://bceh.com/gallery2/v/BC/vancou.../south/sidney/
http://tourismmall.victoria.bc.ca/sidney.html
http://www.sanscha.com/AreaAttractions/index/

[Mike.Gritten]

I'm all setup with Port Sidney Marina - slip C5. See you all there!

[Graham Cole]

Yup- I'm in C-07. Afraid to be too close to that Stuart character though!

Cheers,
Graham

[mark reed]

I'm in the carbon dioxide slip (C-02) :)

[wurzner]

You may be carbon dioxide, but I'm explosive. I will be in you guessed it...C4.

:cheers: Shaun :cheers:

[Jobsite II]

Looking forward to seeing everyone at the Rendevous. We have slip C-09.

[hodo]

Way to go Shaun. See you in Sidney. We have slip C12. Leaving Tacoma on the 9th for Kingston, then on up the sound to arrive Sidney friday. will take about a week coming back, I hope. Cheers, Harold

[Jewel]

:egrin: We will be camped out at B9 (is it possible to be a benign Viking?)

See you in June!

Dan and Julie
Jewel E28+

[Loren Beach]

Does this new-to-some-of-us location lend itself to a pot luck? Group sailing on different boats (Saturday?) ?
Will happy hour be... on board, from boat to boat? At a pub? Both?
;)
Does the group want any kind of sailing-related presentation or seminar like last year? Indoor facility available?

...Just pondering... on a cold rainy morning in Portland...

Best,
Loren

[Sean Engle]

How about a little beer can race?

//sse

[Gord Bell]

I think that trying to spot the beer cans in the water from a distance could be a little challenging.
cheers Gord
Huckleberry

[Graham Cole]

I think between Stuart and myself, there may be a preponderance of empty beer cans...

[Seth]

All,

If desired, I may be available to attend this-in past similar events I have spent some time on different boats, helping with rig tune and deck layouts, even a short sail with several attendees. I could give a brief talk on a subject of popular choice; general sail trim (and theory), heavy air techniques, offshore or inshore cruising, performance in general, navigation, etc.

I have no need to be paid, but expenses would be a plus.....

I am just putting this out there, and so I don't sound like a pimp, I won't do it again. No problem either way, but I wanted to make the offer to join you E folks...I have friends on one of the Seattle Islands-but that may be too far away for overnighting from Port Sydney.

Either way-I'll be thinking of you!!

Seth

[hodo]

How do you race beer cans? Are they like Valiants? How do you know bow from stern? Where is the mast? etc... Seriously, what kind of beer would you drink from a can? OK, other than Guiness. Sounds like Seth might be onto something. As for an overnighter, that distance would need to be covered by air or the Victoria boat out of Seattle. Harold:devil:

[Sean Engle]

Oh - a little early for that, no? :D

Beer can races are extremely informal races...you can see the complete 'rules' over at Laditude 38's 'Wisdom Pages' (http://www.latitude38.com/misc/beer10.htm).

My favorite is No. 5: Thou shalt not amp out." Of course, No. 4 is good as well: "Thou shalt not run out of beer." :egrin:

//sse

[Seth]

If any if you are pilots and up for the commute to Whidby (I think that is where they are), I'm in-I am also a pilot and used to cover that area selling small airplanes-even did what little floatplane time I have right out of Shilshole.

More realistically, I would stay local (maybe a 38 with a free forepeak?).;)

Of course, that assumes a lot, but it was a funny thing to bring up...I am at your service-as always.:egrin:

Cheers,
S

[Stuart]

Hi All

I have a non descript slip number C-01; but I do think it puts me at the beginning of the docks, thereby making me the official tester of all refreshments being bought into the Viking area. So please, only single malts, good wine and slightly dark beer, can or bottles are ok with me though. Graham, please just bring the good stuff!:D

At my age I can’t believe I’ve been doing beer can races wrong all my life! In my era we shook the can, bit into the side of it, inhaled the contents and whoever could flatten the empty can on the table first, won. It seems no matter how the race goes the end result is the same, the can is empty at the end, I guess one is ever too old to learn new methods.

As far as an agenda goes, we have a facility for a pot luck dinner, it’s a tented area on the docks with some tables and chairs supplied by the marina but we will probably need to rent more. So we could do a Saturday night pot luck, which may or may not feature a live musician but details on that are being worked on by someone else.

I am thinking a little similar to last year for Friday, arrival and pot luck appies with a few bevies, perhaps a beer/wine exchange, bring you favorite obscure beverage and trade for someone else’s obscure beverage, this would be optional and if you don’t want to participate, just bring some Coors light!
Of course all beverages will need to be certified by the taste tester to be eligible (see first sentence). :egrin:

The blindfolded dingy race……… I have been trying to think of something to make it a little more challenging, maybe less about speed. Sort of like most accumulated points of three categories: first category for a score from 1-10 is for the two who return with the emptiest beers, both the navigator and the oars person have one beer each to finish during the race. The second category for a score from 1-10 could be anything, as in our case last year, who returns the wettest? The third category, for a score from 1-5, is placement at the end of the race, 1st, 2nd, 3rd etc. Comments or ideas? Gord would you be interested in organizing this event again this year?:D

Saturday:
As we have no budget, as kind an offer as we have on the table, we have no money to pay for expenses unless we really get organized, in fairness to our potential speaker I would recommend collecting in advance, if we are to do something like this.
Other stuff: morning sail, back to the dock for lunch, guest speaker or afternoon antics about 1:30 (dingy race and some new tests of boating skills (suggestions!!!!) with free time following (read as pub crawl) until the pot luck dinner, about 6:30.

T shirts are being worked on, thinking to have as a package of two shirts and one burgee. What are the opinions of going to printed only, no embroidery as in the past and greater volume? This should bring the cost of the package to about 30.00, but this is not firm yet. A lot of the cost depends on the shirt design which is currently being worked on by others. Comments on this thought??????
I am going to Sidney this Thursday and will be at the Marina, does any one have any suggestions of things I should look into?
Cheers
Stuart

[Graham Cole]

How about a keg...Got one in Silva Bay last summer at the pub. Kinda changed the center of buoyancy in the 'ol Walker bay 8, I tell ya! Can we get a keg in Sidney? I find the more I keg, the more charming I get!

[Gord Bell]

Stuart, yes I will be happy to work on the blind dingy races. If we have a catagory for the wettest crew I think that Heather would get that based on her prefomace last year. For the t-shirts, put me down for a package, size xl.
cheers Gord
Huckleberry

[hodo]

Hi Stuart, Two things I can think of needing a look at are fuel facilities, and ice facilities. Might also be handy to know a bus schedule or good taxi . Be careful, however, to NOT look into the bottom of an empty mug, unless you are trying to see the next one. By the way, anyone know the allotted alcohol capacity we can take into B.C. ? How is everyone handling the border crossing [each way]? I heard at the boat show that customs at Boeing Field now has the ability to take the needed pictures.:cheers: Harold & Jessie :devil:

[mark reed]

hey Stuart,
The agenda is shaping up well! One thing I might suggest for your visit tomorrow is to investigate locally available speakers (it would be great if Seth could come, but expenses from Chicago?). One thought is someone from Blackline Marine, operating out of Canoe Cove, just north of Sidney. Phone 250-656-6616. They do great FRP work and rigging, two things of potential interest to those of us with aging boats! I worked with their rigger there a few years ago, and he was great, but unfortunately I've lost track of his name.
Also, if you've never visited the Stonehouse Pub, I highly recommend it! It is just a short walk through the woods from the Sidney BC Ferries terminal.
Cheers,

[Graham Cole]

Hey Stu- Maybe we can get something from Raymarine/Autohelm...

[Richard Elliott]

Lots of ice at the Sidney Marina, but fuel is a couple of miles North at Van Isle Marina. I believe liquor allotment is one liter per person. Fortunately, Sidney has a new liquor store down near the Marina.

[Loren Beach]

It's been over a decade since I have visited BC by private boat. Where would we clear customs if going to Sydney?
I have been looking for an appropriate info web site, but seem to be 'net-challenged this morning...
Thanks,
Loren

[Mike.Gritten]

Loren,

Sidney is a customs clearance port.

[Sean Engle]

...What are the opinions of going to printed only, no embroidery as in the past and greater volume? This should bring the cost of the package to about 30.00, but this is not firm yet. A lot of the cost depends on the shirt design which is currently being worked on by others. Comments on this thought??????....

All things equal - I would prefer embroidery - and would pay more for such a shirt. I think they're nicer, last longer, etc... What do the designs look like?

//sse

[Mike.Gritten]

Put me on the "embroidery good" "will pay more for embroidered shirt" side of this discussion.

[Richard Elliott]

Karen and I will be in slip C-11 aboard E34 Chandelle. Looking forward to seeing everyone again. Can we lean on BigBlue a.k.a. North Sails for prizes, etc.? I just took delivery of a new North main.

[Richard Elliott]

Do you need any help with preparations for the Rendezvous? Let me know what I can do to help.

[maggie-k]

Hi All I'm new to the list but plan on attending the rendezvous this year as it is in my back yard in Sydney. Any questions about the area I would be happy to answer.
1) there is a beer store 1 block away from the marina
2) the run runner pub is at the marina and another at the bees store.
3) I would suggest a speaker from Yachtech if you want top notch riggers. they make and sell stuff to Brion Toss. Great Guys.
4) I have friends who are opening a new pub and resturaunt in Sydney who are die hard sailors . They may be willing to host an event.

[Sean Engle]

...4) I have friends who are opening a new pub and resturaunt in Sydney who are die hard sailors . They may be willing to host an event.

You Canadians are so friendly.... :egrin:

//sse

[maggie-k]

Ya.......and we like our beer too !! If you need a hand finding speakers I have a few connections here , let me know what your looking for and I should be able to fill the slots

[hodo]

I know the guy [Jean-Guy] that was the navigator on Oriole, the tall masted ship out of Victoria if you folks are intrested. He lives in Victoria area. Harold

[Richard Elliott]

Let's not ever turn down an offer from a Canadian who has connections to a pub! I swear all those Canadian CG folks who came aboard in Sidney for a party drank all the alcohol, barely stopping before tackling the stove fuel!

[Graham Cole]

strange... I don't recall ever being on your boat!:)

[Stuart]

Hi All

I just want to thank everyone who has been helping and volunteering to help with the PNW rendezvous, as things come together you can bet on being called upon. Until then let’s keep planning to make this a great year.
As far as a guest speaker goes, we have lots of ideas coming forward. An electronics talk could be interesting, the navigator on Oriole as well, we had Brion talk on rigging last year and he might be a hard act for another rigger to follow unless they were pretty inventive. I have asked some world traveling sailors if they might consider spending some time with us, telling tales of high sea adventure and cruising life, but don’t expect to hear back from them immediately so I would not wait if something else that interests everyone comes up.
I would suggest the same time as last year for the guest speaker, I think it was from 1-3 on Saturday, anyone remember exactly?
If the friend’s that are opening the pup let us in for beer tasting and samples of new suds for breakfast, might be a totally different day. Or maybe instead of the pot luck dinner we go there for a fixed plate cost dinner and beer tasting. We had about 100 at the pot luck last year. Just some thoughts, comments?
Cheers
Stuart

[maggie-k]

Hi Stuart . I Believe I could get Bob Goth the chief rig designer for Yachtech to give a talk on modern Rig design and manufacture. He is one bright fellow. Yachtech is the oldest rigging shop on Vancouver island. Pretty much anyone else has at one time worked for them. They manufacture custom tapered masts which are sold around the world. Many riggers such as Brion Toss and Blackline are regular customers of Yachtech and use yachtech tapered mast sections and parts. Yachtech build very high end spars,
http://www.yachttech.com/Spars.htm
It just happens Bob also is a part owner in the new pub I mentioned earlier in Sydney !!

Cheers and Beers
Eric

[maggie-k]

Hi all, I just spoke to Bob and Rena Goth , he would be happy to give us a talk on rig design, tuning and inspection as well he can work out any thing we want in his new bar along the lines of food drinks . He was saying we could have the whole bar for a private function if that was in line.
Bob and Rena have lived on a CT 41 for over ten years ! Ya I know it's not an ericson but they do own a bar !

Eric

[Stuart]

We have lots of options for a guest speaker with many great ideas being brought forward. The question is, what would the majority like to see happen?:rolleyes:

I have one more possible option to toss in the ring as well. Today I attended the Vancouver Boat $how and was lucky enough to have a chat with Derek Hatfield, skipper of the Spirit of Canada. He raced in the last around the world Alone Race in a 40’ boat he built, a rather interesting story. He is currently building a 60’ for the 2006 single handed race. Depending on his schedule, he said we would be interested in speaking at our Rendezvous and provided me with contact info to try to arrange it.
Before trying to arrange this, would this be of interest to the group?
This is the link to his web site: http://www.spiritofcanada.net/archive/team_skipper.html.

[mark reed]

Sounds like Derek Hatfield has a good story to tell. I'd be interested in having him as a guest speaker.
Also, has there been any more discussion on inviting Seth? He hinted that he would be willing to come if we helped with expenses. I don't know how much $$ he needs, but if there are enough of us to pitch in, it might be worth it just to have him coach us on sail trim, etc. I know I for one could use the help.

[wurzner]

I'm going out on a limb here, but what the hell. Seth is Ericson Alumni and has contributed intectual capital that short of having his job, would be hard to provide. Given the amount of RV on the list, it is also not realistic to have him attend every RV from both a time and financial perspective. That being said, I also think that the PNW section is very active and to really go out on a limb, perhaps leading the way with respects to participation at our events (I'm throwing the glove down to our other geographic sections to be our attendance and I hope they do!). With that in mind, I would fully support helping Seth get a ride out to participate in our event. Perhaps this would lay the fondation for Seth attending an event each year in other areas. I can't speak for the rest, but I certainly hope this sparks more dilogue. Having Seth attend on a personal level would be great. Also, I think his contributions to the list have saved a lot of folks time and money (read money and money) and I hope we collectively recognize that having him come out would be a win/win. Anyone has loads of frequent flyer miles? Even purchasing a ticket wouldn't be that big a deal is we all pitched in.

In case you didnt' notice, I'm all for it!

shaun

[mark reed]

I second Shaun's nomination of Seth as special invited guest to the rendezvous. Seth has contributed boundless energy, experience, and knowledge to our discussions on sail trim, equipment, etc. and probably knows more about Ericsons than any of the other guest speakers we have considered. I would be glad to accomodate him on our boat, and to pitch in for his airfare.

[mark reed]

Seth just checked his calendar and can't make it, due to a prior commitment at a Chicago regatta. Guess we'll have to wait for next year if we want to bring him out.

[Seth]

Guys,

Thanks for the invite-and I am truly sorry I cannot escape my racing committments for that weekend. Believe me when I say Iwill be thinkng of all of you that weekend!
Derek would certainly be a very good guest, and with some "priming", my guess is that he could give a talk that most of the group will get a lot out of...

Again-thanks to all of you for thinking of me-I'll be thinking of you!
Cheers,

S

[Stuart]

Seth

I was looking forward to finally learning to trim and sail the boat properly. We will have a race of sorts at the rendezvous if that helps. Perhaps you could put us down for next year and we will figure out how to make it work. As a side note, thanks for all the posts and info you have put up on the site, I have read and benefited from it.:)

Cheers

[wurzner]

4 months and counting to saturday night of the ericson rendez vous. I can't wait to see you all there!

shaun
too many boats (but at least they are ericsons!)

[chasandjudy]

Sidney is basically our stomping (sailing grounds). Sidney North Saanich Yacht club would be a great place for the first stop ( free overnight moorage)
dinner in the club (your wife will not have to cook) Customs for US visitors at Sidney or Bedwell Harbour (that's the way we spell it). Ask we any question about the area and I will be glad to answer. It is possible to get a race commitee around here, let me know we will set it up

Cordially yours Chas and Judi SV EDEN E30+

[Kim Schoedel]

Hi all, thought we should start some planning and looking into hotels ect. We will be driving over from Spokane. Any recommendations on Hotels, B & B's in the Sydney area and such from you West Coast folks?

Thanks,

[Gord Bell]

You can try Hotel Sidney which is only 1 block away from the marina. The price starts at $79.00 and goes to $255.00 per night. This place is located on the water. You can check their site at http://www.hotelsidney.com/.
cheers Gord
sv Huckleberry

[Kim Schoedel]

Thanks a bunch Gord, we will give it a shot.

[Loren Beach]

We're booked in as of today.
They have assigned us to slip C-24. CN$45.90 per night plus $4. for electricy plus 7% tax. :eek:
That marina must be paved with gold!
I do hope that the local YC will grant us a further night of reciprocity...
:rolleyes:

At least now I shall stop complaining about the guest rates at Shillshole.

<sigh>

Loren

[hodo]

Does one need to call ahead to North Saanich to make reservations for the night before, or is it first come.....? Do they need our yacht club afilliation? Sounds like a good place to have a Pre-rendevouz party! Have you got a contact # for them ? Harold :devil:

[Loren Beach]

I have recently exchanged some emails with an officer of SNSYC and confirmed that my club is on their recips list. It sounds like a tie-up for a night is possible, but will depend completely on availability. [We can only afford a few nights at the spendy marina, so I do hope that we can use our recips at some area clubs.]

So, Harold, you need to check your club's list of reciprocal's. For us, this will (if they have room for us) be the first time we personally participate in this ancient YC tradition since we joined in '92. :cool:

I have been crew on other boats where we stayed without cost for a night, and our club hosts a number of boats each summer.

Good luck,

Loren in Portland, OR

[maggie-k]

For those who don't need a dock there is fine anchoring ground in Tsehum Harbor just around the corner from Port Sydney as well The Royal Victoria Yacht Club has an out station there and it is the home of the Capital City Yacht club.

[footrope]

We reserved a slip for Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights. D-7.
We're looking forward to seeing everyone.

I asked Rachel for a count and she says about 25 boats so far.

Now I gotta find a horny helmet, a shield and a sword. And maybe get a tattoo of Brunhilde ... she was a blonde, :unsure: right?

[Stuart]

Sidney Spit Marine Park is just a short hope across the channel, a wonderfull spot with room to anchor as well as park mooringings. A motorized dingy would probably make the crossing in about 15 min. Need to watch wind direction and depth, we have spent many days there without any problems.

http://www.vancouverisland.com/ParksAndTrails/Parks/details/?ID=453

http://www.pc.gc.ca/pn-np/bc/gulf/index_e.asp

Cheers
Stuart

[Richard Elliott]

My only experience there was year before last in a strong (20K+) SE wind. Wind strength and direction coupled with shallow water created very uncomfortable wave action which lasted all night. We must have had poor timing as I know the marine park is very popular with locals. E34 "Chandelle".

[Sean Engle]

Meeta just set the reservation - so we'll see you all in Sidney!

//sse

[RON CARTER]

We have booked in to C 21 planning to arrive Thur June 15, staying thru to Sunday departure June 18. We met Graham Cole at the Vancouver Boat Show in Feb and looking forward to picking his brain on Chartplotter installation.....also need some ideas on cabin floor renewal/replace..... Ron & Joanne Carter Ericson 35-3 1983 "Azgard" Hey! I hope beer is not the only drink allowed at Ericson rendevouz.... Looking forward to meeting all..

[Graham Cole]

Hey guys Im in C 07 ! see you all there! Graham Cole

[Sean Engle]

Hey -

I just updated the announcement for the 06 Rendezvous - and included some images from last year as well as some other (mildly) entertaining stuff. Check it out at the top of this forum, or just click here:

http://www.ericsonyachts.org/infoexchange/announcement.php?f=4

See you in Sidney! :egrin:

//sse

[Jet Stream]

Just wondering if there is any formal (or informal) itinerary for the weekend.
We do plan on attending however my sons b-day party is on the same weekend. We live in Sidney so travel is not a concern but which one of the two nights are the most active? Knowing the Vikings both nights will be very entertaining.
Thanks,

Sean, Leah, Patrick and Nicholas
"Jet Stream" E-27

PS if there is any questions any one has of the local area facilty etc please don;t hesitate to ask as these are my home grounds.

[Sean Engle]

Hey -

I just updated the announcement for the 06 Rendezvous - and included some images from last year as well as some other (mildly) entertaining stuff. Check it out at the top of this forum, or just click here:

http://www.ericsonyachts.org/infoexchange/announcement.php?f=4

See you in Sidney! :egrin:

//sse

Oh come on - no one has any comments about this? :confused:

//sse

[Loren Beach]

Love the photos and look forward to a good time at the Rendezvous.
Only hitch is that just this week I have discovered that the sheaves in my old YS pedistal steering system are questionable, at least for four days "at sea" :eek:

...and then today Kathy's boss put a semi/sorta-demand on her to attend some sort of training seminar on the 22nd.
Looks like we will (again, like last year...) be attending by car. We will try for a hotel reservation in Sidney.

Oh well, "life" is what happens to you while you are making plans!
:)

Loren in PDX

[hodo]

Sean, aahh the memories. Good pics, good folks, good fun, having a tough time waiting for June. Do you suppose Loren really has a boat? AAARRRGH :devil:

[footrope]

that was an excellent adventure, Sean. Reminds me of a Dilbert that ends like this:

'Do you have "Photoshop" software?'

Great memories. Thanks.

[wurzner]

Sean,

Sorry, but I've been in counseling (again) after looking at Glyn's legs...I've seen more colour on a frozen chicken in my freezer and he's from California?

Actually, I looked at all the photos and it reminded me of how lucky I'm am to me a part of this organization and also how grateful I am for some of the key contributors (Sean, Loren, Glyn, John, Guy, Seth, Stuart) and a host of others who I'm missing. Having owned (currently) 2 Ericsons, this list has been and continues to be both a most valuable source of information and per your update with the photos, also a source of extreme entertainment at times.

Thanks and I look forward to seeing you all in Sidney.

Between work, getting ready for the "Round Whidbey" this weekend, trying to sell the 32, and Swiftsure on Memorial Day...things have been hectic. None the less, your update provide some extreme entertainment.

See you all in a few more than a few weeks!

Shaun (at 11:30PM after being up at the boat and up the mast!)

[Sean Engle]

Thanks guys...

We're always happy to see your faces (you and Kathy) Loren - car, boat or otherwise -

Shaun - I look forward to seeing the 38...

Everone else - we'll see you next month! :egrin:

//sse

[Mike.Gritten]

Sean,

sorry, we're out of the country (our country that is). We're down in Florida for a working vacation - I'm working, the first Mate's on vacation! The new posting is super (except for the photos of us - looks like we just finished carrying the boat down from Vancouver!) :egrin:

My natural good looks are well hidden in that pic!

We both had fun going through the little picture show. It brought back some fun memories. Say, did you ever hear from that waiter at the bar who owned an Ericson?

[Sean Engle]

..my natural good looks are well hidden in that pic...


Uuuuuhhhmmm - well, I hate to burst your bubble Mike, but ummmm... ;)

//sse

[hodo]

Did we decide on the shirt thing? I don't know if I missed it or what. Jessie and I would both like one, so I hope we [I] didn't blow it. She may cut off my rum ration, and then I'd have to drink single malt or dark beer or something, maybe even,[gasp] red wine!! OK, so I'm over doing it, and none of that sounded bad. Let me know please! Harold & Jessie, S/V Mischief :devil: Maker

[Sean Engle]

...Say, did you ever hear from that waiter at the bar who owned an Ericson?

Sorry - I missed this earlier...

Oh - the guy down at 'The Public House'? No, no - he never got ahold of me or the site, I think (unless I'm wrong - which I hope I am).

//sse

[Mike.Gritten]

Harold,

I think that Stuart is taking care of the shirts...I don't remember ordering any either, but, I'm sure he'll let us know if we've messed up. Stuart, are you out there?????

[Sean Engle]

Sorry to do this at such a late date, howevever...

After all the rain we got last winter (...remember the record 27 days before it really began to rain?) we've decided to get a new roof this summer. The bids have been coming in, and they are quite a bit more than we had anticipated (like $5k-$8k more).

Given all of this, we've decided to curtail other spending - so we're going to have to pull out of this summer's Rendezvous...the combination of lodging, ferry, fuel, food, etc is a bit much for us right now... :boohoo:

Anyhow - I hope I'll get lots of images from you guys - and hope that all of you have a great time. We'll catch up with you again next year...

//sse

ps: Stuart - If you're doing the tee-shirts, please do include one for me (XL). I'll cut you check, etc - send me a note and let me know, ok?

[Loren Beach]

Hi Sean,
I am sorry to hear that you will not attending. But then my plans often keep changing as reality intrudes on them...

If only our boat were there this year... we would have housed you both in the aft cabin, a "double" berth well suited to those young and in love.
:)

Keep in touch, and perhaps sometime we could stop by and admire your new roof!
We do plan a weekend in Seattle later this summer, FWIW.
Loren

:cool:

[Sean Engle]

...Keep in touch, and perhaps sometime we could stop by and admire your new roof! We do plan a weekend in Seattle later this summer

Loren -

Send me a note back channel and let me know when you'll be passing through the Seattle area to/from the Rendezvous. You guys are very welcome here!

//sse

[Stuart]

Hi All

Not to worry, no one has missed the boat on T shirts, they are in the works and I should have the pricing and stuff sometime next week. Been a little busy as have all of us. Please email with sizes at stuartm@pureresults.com.
Sean what ya thinkin, trading a weekend with all of us for a new roof???? Great job on the picture show!
Cheers
Stuart MacKenzie

[Kevin Vine]

Kevin and Wendy Vine here, from Salt Spring Island, new to this rendezvous idea, owners of Deryn Mor, Ericson 26.
We don't yet know what goes on at an Ericson Rendezvous and are game to find out, but is there any sort of agenda or list of events for the weekend published yet? We can only come for one night, so are trying to figure out which would be the best part of the weekend for us to try and get there. Thanks in advance for any information you can give us!

[Mike.Gritten]

We get the most from the Rendezvous not from any planned events, but from meeting the people and boats that we "know" from this website. The planned events only serve to help you meet more of those people. It's great fun to see how others have approached the same challenges we all face with these wonderful boats. Any time you can spare to come and "visit" at this year's Rendezvous, will be time well spent.

[Stuart]

Hi Kevin & Wendy

As Mike says, we are informal but do have some planned events, sort of. The tentative schedule is something like this. Friday arrivals meet and greet new and old friends sharing pot luck appies and refreshments on the docks and then perhaps to one of the local pubs for dinner. Saturday morning but never too early, about 10am we all pile into our fine vessels for a sail past along the shores of Sidney, this is casual but be warned there are some racers amongst us and you know what happens when two or more sailboats are side by side. Back to the docks for lunch, this year we have opted not to have a guest speaker (at least at this time) leaving us with some free time until about 2 or so then we would start with the afternoon antics, blind dingy race and other fun tests of you’re your boating skills, prizes being awarded after dinner.
If I had to pick a day and assuming you would be sailing from Saltspring, I would suggest you meet us out in the pond around 10am for the sail past, then into the marina for Saturday, staying that night which after the antics will be followed with a pot luck dinner, last year we had about one hundred happy Vikings dinning to an incredible spread put on by all.
This year we will be packed in a little tighter for dinner and bring your folding chair, plate, utensils, food to share and of course a good supply of the beverage of your choice. They do not have enough chairs at the marina and we have no budget to rent them, so if you want to sit……

Hope to see you there:egrin:
Cheers
Stuart MacKenzie

[Loren Beach]

For those of us attending by car, is there a time slot for visiting boat-to-boat? Saturday afternoon, for instance? That was really the highlight of last year's rendezvous.
:egrin:

For me it is meeting the people I hear of on-line, and seeing their boats and getting to ask questions about maintenance and upgrades.
I do not mean to, in any way, downplay the importance of the dinner and the "more formal" part of the activities, though! :)

We shall try to remember to wear little homemade nametags again, too.

Best Fishes,

Loren in Portland

[mark reed]

Southern Cross successfully transited from Astoria to Port Angeles this past weekend. We had planned for a Saturday departure, but due to forecast strong NW winds, we decided to wait a day. By Saturday evening, winds were already backing to W and not as high as forecasted. We watched Papa, a Bavaria 38, depart on the 6pm small ebb, but didn't want to arrive at sea just as darkness was falling. Sunday AM, we barely managed to get out of the West Basin at 0830 on a minus tide, caught a 2kt ebb across the bar, raised small jib and reefed main in 18kts apparent wind, and short reached toward Cape Flattery. Averaged close to 8kts on the early part of this passage, and were glad to have some help from the current. Shook out the reef as wind backed slightly, but were too lazy to change to the large headsail until we got passed by a Jeanneau Sun Fast 37 (Kitty Hawk out of PDX). By nightfall, we were averaging less than 4kts SOG, so fired up the aux. By 0430 we were closing the light at Umatilla Reef, and by 0630 we were through Hole in the Wall and heading down the Strait. Disappointed to find near calm and >2kts ebb, we carried on under power, and rounded Ediz Hook at 1600.

Grateful for all systems functioning well and a great crew. Now all we have to worry about is some decent wx for crossing to Sidney in a couple more weeks!

[hodo]

A question for the rendezvouz organizers, whom should I talk to about a possible donation for the rendezvouz? (It is some very high quality chocolate). Please let me know, I'd hate to have to keep it to myself. It goes quite well with a pale ale. Harold & Jessie, S/V Mischief :devil: Maker

[Stuart]

Harold
When you get to the rendezvous, find me, I am in slip C-01. I will make sure it is used appropriately, honest. Does chocolate shrink each time it changes hands?:) It will make a great prize, thanks for getting something, anyone else????

[hodo]

Well, it is a done deal, there will be chocolate to be given away as prizes. I'm not sure what flavor, but as tasty as this stuff is, it won't matter. We will be leaving Kingston on the 12th, I think, and heading north. Is any one else headed up early? Maybe we will see you on the way. Not sure which route we will go yet. Also, Stuart, did you get our order for 2 XL T shirts? And Sean, did you get my e mail, and should I take the plumbing and electrical drawings up and hand off to someone, to get them on the website, or try to hook up with you herein Seattle? :cheers: Harold & Jessie, S/V Mischief :devil: Maker

[Sean Engle]

...Sean, did you get my e mail, and should I take the plumbing and electrical drawings up and hand off to someone, to get them on the website, or try to hook up with you herein Seattle? :cheers: Harold & Jessie, S/V Mischief :devil: Maker

You can email me (admin@ericsonyachts.org) off line Harold (I did not see your email), but either we can meet you up here in Seattle (like at Shilshole or perhaps we can arrange a short lunch raftup with you and some other people), or you can probably pass them to Loren at the meet - who I think we'll be seeing on their way back down to Portland...(of course, I should ask Loren about this before volenteering his services! :D)

//sse

[Stuart]

Hi Harold

I have you T shirt order in.
Great news on the Chocolate, If I can keep Heather on the dock and in the dingy, I may even get to try some.

Cheers
Stuart

[Loren Beach]

Regarding the possibility of stopping at Sean's on the way...
Since we are car-pooling with another Ericson couple to the Rendezvous and back home on Sunday night...
I doubt that we will be near the Sea Tac area, although we would certainly like to do so under different circumstances.
;)

We have booked a reserved spot on the MV Coho each way.

Another time, another weekend...

Sorry 'bout that.
:boohoo:

Loren in Portland

[Sean Engle]

...I doubt that we will be near the Sea Tac area...

SeaTac? SEATAC?? We don't live in SeaTac! We live in West Seattle (the shi-shi part near the 7-11)! :D

No problem on the doc - Harold, if you're in Tacoma, and want to schedule a meet either before or after the Rendezvous, that's fine. I come down there a couple times a quarter to drink beer at The Swiss (http://www.theswisspub.com/) with a buddy of mine. That way, you won't have to worry about it with respect to the Rendezvous... Of course, if you want to meet at Shilshole, that's still a possibility, etc.

Just email me off line, etc... We'll catch up with you guys later on also, Loren..anytime...

//sse

[Loren Beach]

Being from another state (of mind) I was just trying to make the point that we will not be driving the east side of the Sound this trip, i.e. the Seattle - Tacoma general area....
I do hope you live near one of the more upscale 7-11's...
:)

Best,
Loren

[Mike.Gritten]

All,

I just found out that we will NOT be able to attend the rendezvous!!! :boohoo:
The Admiral just returned from a trip to help her father after bypass surgery, only to discover that two of her three employees have left the company! She will have nobody to cover her for the few days it would have taken for us to go to and return from Port Sidney :boohoo:
I will have to give all the great FREE stuff that West Marine is donating to Stuart to bring down there! It figures...West Marine is finally giving ME something for FREE, only, I won't be there to enjoy it!!!!:boohoo:

...sucks to be me....!

[chasandjudy]

For those of you going to the Rendezvous on Sidney-- A few of us Maurading
Vikings after the Rendezvous are going to Chemanus to the dinner theatre
My Fair Lady is on for the dinner and show it is $52.43 for just the Show its
32.10 that's $52.43 for both if you are going phone 250-246-9820 and make your reservations for moorage call 250 715-8186 do this as soon as possible
Great Show , great Town (city of murals) Chas sloop Eden 250-478-3669

[Graham Cole]

Guess what... I have to bail as well. Too much work right now. Have fun!

[CaptDan]

Love the photos and look forward to a good time at the Rendezvous.
Only hitch is that just this week I have discovered that the sheaves in my old YS pedistal steering system are questionable, at least for four days "at sea" :eek:

...and then today Kathy's boss put a semi/sorta-demand on her to attend some sort of training seminar on the 22nd.
Looks like we will (again, like last year...) be attending by car. We will try for a hotel reservation in Sidney.

Oh well, "life" is what happens to you while you are making plans!
:)

Loren in PDX

I'll definately be arriving by 'boat.' However it'll be the Victoria Clipper - not aboard 'Kunu.':)

Should be in Sidney middle afternoon Saturday. Hope to find all you find Vikings by Sat night.

Capt Dan G>E35II "Kunu"

[footrope]

We have to 'bow' out. :esad: The boat hasn't been away from the dock since January and my priorities are so messed up I've hardly even gotten any work done on it all winter except the two hatch repairs. I hope we can get away this weekend for a shakedown cruise - maybe one night at Poulsbo. Get the summer started!

Post lots of pictures.

[wurzner]

Too bad to see some folks dropping out...Craig I was really looking forward to seeing your boat to compare the different layouts.

I'm heading up to Deception Pass Thursday afternoon and leaving the Pass around 7:30 AM to arrive in Sidney by hopefully later afternoon. We will be leaving early Sunday since my wife needs to fly out Monday AM from Seatac. We have another couple coming up with us but I may do the Deception Pass Trip to Everett by myself.

Considering we just took delivery of the boat in March from Alameda, we've already put around 700 miles on her. The Round Whidbey and Swifsure races helped a lot. I raced 4 weeks in a row so this week will be busy getting yard work done as well as provisioning the boat.

This weekend will be a fair amount of travelling for the event, but what the heck...it only happens once a year and I wouldn't miss it for the world. I look forward to seeing you folks who can make it up there. The weather doesn't look too bad and I think it will improve over the next few days...Rain and Sunbreaks is fine with me!

regards
shaun
S/V Sorcerer
Ericson 38-200

[mark reed]

My father has been put on hospice care and is not expected to make it more than a few more days. Looks like the boat will stay parked at Port Angeles until things are resolved. I was really looking forward to this rendezvous. Hope to run into some of you later this summer. Early August in Deso?

[footrope]

It's sad to hear that Mark. We offer our condolences. Have a safe trip.

Shaun - next year's Rendezvous - and we'll keep an eye out for you on the Sound. It would be nice to have an EY.o burgee in the rigging so we could spot each other easier.

We'll miss the rest of the NW Vikings, too.

[Sean Engle]

Good wishes to all of you heading off to attend the 2006 NW Ericson Rendezvous! Have a safe passage and enjoy yourselves...

We'll be thinking of you as the horde of roofers decends on this house in the next few days - and we'll be seeing you next year for sure! :egrin:

Stuart - please take lots of pictures and send me a CD and an XL tee shirt - I'll send you the payment (including postage) directly.

Take care,
//sse

[Loren Beach]

We are back home, by auto. We and the Pick's car-pooled up and back. Splitting the fuel and ferry costs helps the ol' retirement budget a lot...

BIG crowd of owners and familes and a lot of boats, but a more responsible person will have to post the true numbers from the signup sheet.
:)
This year we all tried to spend a lot more time aboard the various boats, and still seem to have missed some completely. :rolleyes:

Those lucky sailors that are still vacationing will spend the next week or so sailing about in the Islands and continuing their good times. Those on a short leash from work were heading back post haste... and some of the group had to head to various airports to wing it back home.

The Admiral now wants her own Viking Helmet! Maybe I can print a big "O" on the front.

I have seen a lot of boats both smaller and larger than my own that I could be perfectly happy in. :D
Many Projects have been discussed, past and future, to make good boats even better! It is always worth upgrading a Well Designed and attractive boat...

The legacy of Ericson Yachts drew us together, and the wonderful owners and families really make the journey worthwhile and a lot of Fun, whether by sea, land, or air...
Oh, and Speaking of being on a short leash.... Umm....
Oh well, let Glyn speak for himself! (sorry, bad pun alert)
:egrin:

Note: we need a category for Best of Show for the many cats and dogs!
"All Paws on Deck!"

Cheers,
Loren, back in PDX

ps: the "apple pie in a bottle" was... amazing! :devil: :devil:

[CaptDan]

The legacy of Ericson Yachts drew us together, and the wonderful owners and families really make the journey worthwhile and a lot of Fun, whether by sea, land, or air...
Oh, and Speaking of being on a short leash.... Umm....
Oh well, let Glyn speak for himself! (sorry, bad pun alert)
:egrin:

Note: we need a category for Best of Show for the many cats and dogs!
"All Paws on Deck!"

Cheers,
Loren, back in PDX

ps: the "apple pie in a bottle" was... amazing! :devil: :devil:


Indeed it was.:egrin: And not just the amazing pie-in-a-bottle, but the fine folks I had a chance to meet - finally - after all these years, Loren and Kathy notwithstanding.

My first Rendevous, and definately not the last, my helmet's (gotta get one) off to Stuart. You're a Prince, Mr McKenzie, and it was great to throw down some brews with you and everyone else I had the pleasure of meeting.

Only regrets: not getting there a day earlier to catch a ride on at least one other Ericson, to those unable to attend because of work or personal reasons, to my wife for catching a flu and having to stay home, and for my uncertain memory for remembering so many names, and for forgetting guide dogs in training wearing capes shouldn't be petted. Sorry again, Glyn.:boohoo:

I enjoyed every minute of it, and hopefully next year I can bring the boat (and the 'admiral.)

You're a terrific group of people and I'm proud to have met so many of you.

Capt Dan G>E35II "Kunu"

[wurzner]

Stewart,

Any info on what the final quantity of boats was? It was a great time and thanks for putting it together...it was a good hang.

shaun

[Richard Elliott]

Is Shaun Wurzner aware that the engine is a converted Kubota tractor engine? A Kubota short block may be lots cheaper than Universal. Dick Elliott.

[Richard Elliott]

Karen and I had an "interesting" return from the rendezvous. After a visit to Butchart's Gardens and enjoyable day in Ganges we headed South through the San Juans overnighting at James Island. Up early to catch the last 1and 1/2 hours of a strong ebb put us into heavy breaking seas South of Lopez Island. Engine quit after about an hour so we set about 1/2 jib and sailed all the way to Port Townsend in white knuckle conditions, launched the dinghy and towed the boat into Pt. Hudson Marina. Lots of head scratching and fuel filter change. I became suspicious in the morning when the diesel heater wouldn't work! Fuel tank totally empty! My owners manual states 30 Gal. fuel capacity but it actually holds only 22 Gal. We're very thankful for a favorable wind. We plan to return to B.C. for the month of Aug. and will look for "Southern Cross" in Desolation Sound.

[wurzner]

Dick,

One thing I'm pretty sure of is there are NO kubota 1502 blocks to be found anywhere. Between Kubota and all the engine rebuilders and tractor shops, I could not find one. Looks like I'll be putting in a new M35B which is based on the Kubota V1505 block.

thanks for the Kubota concepts, I beat it to death and beyond. I was hoping to find anything I could where the exhaust manfold would transfer over.

Looks like a new M35 and about $9K less in the wallet if on the horizon within the next week or so.

shaun
E38-200 sans engine
S/V Sorcerer

[Loren Beach]

I have two friends that went with the Kubota-based Betamarine and really like the engineering. You might want to get a bid on one.
Best,
Loren

[Loren Beach]

Rendezvous (Tax) Wrap Up...
As we left the motel at Sidney the nice lady at the desk reminded to be sure to get the form from customs to fill out to get back the "GST" we were charged.
I got a form from CN customs at the ferry dock in Victoria on our way home. Next step is to fill it out and mail it with our receipts.

It appears that the company that provided the form and the envelope gets 20% of the money, and more interesting that the official CN customs lady at the departure dock told me to use that company's form. I guess that their gov't is not set up to deal directly with us tourists. :rolleyes:

Here is the URL for this service, as well:
http://www.nationaltaxrefund.com/eng/demarch.htm

Since we have about $37. total at stake, even after losing 20% of it there still remains some "real money" to collect.
The instruction sez to expect to wait 12 weeks for the money.
Whatever.

We shall see...

Loren in PDX

[Sean Engle]

Hey - just so I feel included in this...

Look what we did! And you guys think you're the only ones who know how to have fun! :p

//sse

[footrope]

Wait, that's not 'Photoshopped' is it?

[Sean Engle]

Wait, that's not 'Photoshopped' is it?

I wish - I'm up there right now - installing new outlets and more and more insulation!

//sse

[CaptDan]

I wish - I'm up there right now - installing new Romex, outlets and more and more insulation!

//sse

Nice looking house, Sean!:egrin:

Sorry we didn't see you in Sidney, but you did a hellava job on the roof.

I rue the day I have to tackle that project at our place. I'll hafta hang a net all 'round in case I slide off sideways.:rolleyes:

Capt Dan G>E35II "Kunu"

[Loren Beach]

I will let you all know if anything changes... but at this point I have heard nothing from the company that promises to process this refund on behalf of the CN gov't. They say to wait for 12 weeks, so I waited, and waited.

I just sent them a message asking about it.

I am becoming a bit skeptical.......
:(

Loren in PDX

[C. Trembanis]

How long does it take from Tacoma to Sidney BC on an E 27.
three days?????
Thanks Chris

[Richard Elliott]

It can usually be done easily in two days. I do it every summer from Olympia, nearly always in two days. Overnight at either Port Ludlow or, with favorable conditions, Pt. Hudson Marina at Port Townsend. Fog can be a problem. Got caught last summer in extreme adverse current, 1.8K off the West side of San Juan Is. and had to duck into Roche Harbor for the night.