The Beacon

Volume 31 Number 02 March, 2001

Commander Cdr Ken Reeves 655-3602 -

Past Commander P/Cdr Helen Louwerse 544-4358 hagelo@pinc.com

Executive Officer and Lt/C Greg Nutt 656-4212 nuttgreg@hotmail.com

ATO Chief Instructor Lt Doug Mitchell 656-2959 douglassmitchell@home.com

Youth Officer 1^st Lt Barbara Bond 384-4268 bondbond@ultranet.ca

Training Aids Officer 1^st Lt David Teece 658-0299 dteece@home.com

Treasurer 1^st Lt Jim Dawson 658-8204 -

Secretary 1^st Lt Paulette Nutt 656-4212 pnutt8@hotmail.com

Membership Officer 1^st Lt Diana McBratney 656-4590 dianam@uvic.ca

Editor, Beacon 1^st Lt Heather Pepper 656-8101 mlpepper@home.com

Publisher, Beacon 1^st Lt Agnes Simpson 652-1291 agsimpson@telus.net

Supply Officer 1^st Lt Chris Sterling 385-4009 -

MAREP Hydrographic P/Cdr Stephen Denroche 656-6177 ste.mar@home.com

Webmaster S/C Glenn Gallins 656-4904 lawcentre@tnet.net

Social Cruise Captain 1^st Lt Barry Levi 656-3420 blevi@telus.net

Student Cruise Captain 1^st Lt Martin Pepper 656-8101 mlpepper@home.com

PR & Entertainment 1^st Lt Gay Miller 656-5190 ctime@telus.net

and Port Captain

Archivist (Temporary) P/Cdr Giles Perodeau 656-4525 gilesperodeau@home.com

Auditor Brenna Litwack 656-0084 blitwack@home.com

Meetings of the Bridge will be held on the third THURSDAY of each month at 1930 in the Sidney North Saanich Yacht Club, except July and December. All members are welcome to attend. Information for The Beacon should be in the hands of the Editor by the 15th of the month.

The Beacon will also be published on the Squadron web page:

http://www.islandnet.com/~cps-sps/

P/Cdr. Bruce Scott and P/Cdr Cliff Cunningham for achieving the 20-year Merit Mark - which makes them Life Members - freed at last from the tyranny of the membership officer’s injunctions to “pay-up” each April!

The training season is going full blast with the Boating, weather, and maintenance courses all in progress. They are providing a real test for the Training Department, who are meeting the challenge in fine fashion.

Elsewhere in the Beacon, you’ll find a list of the Bridge positions which to be filled. Members of the Squadron are being contacted, seeking volunteers to fill these vacancies. The squadron relies on volunteers to help achieve its mission - the teaching and practice of SAFE BOATING. I urge the newer graduates and younger members - (anyone younger than me!) to volunteer. Officer Training and briefing is provided for all positions - and help and advice is always available. So, broaden you horizons and interests by volunteering now - it’s the only way you can eventually become Commander!

Finally the Squadron will again be operating the entrance to the Sidney Boat Show 26-29 April. We’ll be looking for volunteers give 2-4 hours on the gate - which includes free entry to the show!

Dear Readers,

I’d like to send out a message of appreciation to Mrs. McBratney for volunteering her time to us helping with the Publishing of the Beacon. I’d also like to communicate to Diana McBratney that I have been grateful for her continuing support and contributions regarding the District events. Also ANOTHER thank-you goes out to the membership for their beefs and bouquets received with regards to the Beacon. I have tried to accommodate everyone, and encourage others to drop me an e-mail or give me a call. The Victoria Flower count is on and Spring is in the air. On behalf of the Student Cruise Captain I’d like to thank those who volunteered for the Spring Student Cruise on March 4th. Until next month, sunny skies and calm seas.

~Heather Pepper, The Editor

The Shamrock and the Trinity

Happy Appy’s

GREEK SALAD and warm pita bread go great together, whether alone as an appy or as a side dish with a meal. The pita can be heated whole in the oven or brushed with a little olive oil and quickly grilled before cutting into wedges. To make the salad combine the following:

4 to 6 vine-ripened tomatoes cut into wedges

½ medium red onion, thinly sliced

medium green pepper cubed

½ English cucumber cubed

½ cup whole Greek olives

1 cup crumbled feta cheese

½ tsp dried oregano

¼ cup olive oil and red wine vinegar to taste, salt and pepper to taste

SQUADRON BRIDGE POSITIONS OPEN!

ASSISTANT TRAINING OFFICER (ATO) -assist in course arrangement

MEMBERSHIP OFFICER -computer skills

MAREP WEATHER/ HYDROGRAPHIC -orientation provided

SUPPLY OFFICER -no experience required

PR/ ENTERTAINMENT -gotta like parties!

SOCIAL CRUISE CAPTAIN - enjoy cruising- you can lead the fleet!

NEW MEMBERS! Help keep our Squadron at the top of the heap— contribute to our goal of Teaching and encouraging safe boating.

Speaking Of The Devil

If I can add my two cents to "The devil to pay" discussion I'd like to add the explanation I have found to be most appropriate. "The devil" refers to the garboard seam in a wooden boat, the seam between the keel and the first plank out from it. Because the futtocks (or frames) have very little bearing area on the keel the motion between the garboard and the keel is excessive and causes the oakum caulking which had been "horsed" into the vee shaped seam to "walk" back out of the seam as the ship worked due to stresses on the hull. This made it the hardest seam to keep tight. (Ask anyone who maintains a carvel built wooden boat.)
In addition it was obviously one of the most difficult seams in the hull to reach. In order to get access to the seam to recaulk it the vessel had to be careened over on her side.
The whole saying goes "There's the devil to pay and no pitch hot". The "devil" is the devil seam. The "pay" refers to the pitch which was poured or worked into the seam on top of the oakum caulking, not to seal the seam (this was done by the oakum expanding as it absorbed water and the compressing of the oakum during the "horsing" process) but to seal
or "glue" the oakum in place and prevent it from "walking" back out of the seam. Of course the pitch would fill the seam better and adhere to the wood and oakum better if it was as fluid as possible and this was done by heating the pitch (preferably below the flash point since the pitch was quite flammable). The saying "Between the devil and the deep blue sea" refers to the punishment of keel-hauling. This was a punishment where a man was dragged under the ship from one side to the other by lines made fast to his wrists and ankles. Since the keel projected down from the hull a man suffering this form of punishment sometimes got caught in the angle between the side of the keel and the garboard. All he had below him was water (the deep blue) with the devil seam above him. Hence he was in a deadly situation. I have heard other explanations but this seems to be the most common in the records left by the men who sailed the old wooden ships up to about the 1880's when construction practices changed. I would be glad to hear
other explanations.
Ben Johnson

MARCH, with its brisk winds, has always been known as the time for kite flying. Although it is usually considered a children’s plaything, the kite has had a notable record in the history of our world. In the year 1300 Japan made kites strong enough to lift a man and used them to spy on the enemy during the war. When engineers built the first suspension bridge over Niagara, a kite drew the first cable across the gorge. Benjamin Franklin made use of the kite for scientific researches. In 1898, the Weather Bureau established sixteen kite stations. In addition, kites have been used in carrying messages, in photographing landscapes, and often in advertising.

Reprinted from Cheer Magazine

If you find weather interesting you may want to consider being a CPS BRIDGE MEMBER in the role of MAREP WEATHER/ HYDROGRAPHIC OFFICER, or look for our next advertised WEATHER COURSE .

Speaking Of The Devil 2

When things go awry, why will there "be the devil to pay?"
I always thought this was a damned rip off. Here you are
having a hard time to begin with, and then old horny-head
butts in demanding some kind of compensation. What's his fee?
They never tell you. Is it tax deductible? Ask your
accountant.
Now here's a surprise. The expression has nothing to do with
Lucifer! Once again we return to the days of sailing ships.
The seams on these old wooden vessels were called devils.
Caulking or sealing the seams was known as "paying" them.
The only way you could get at the devil to pay it was to
bring the ship in at high tide so that the bottom rested on
the sand. But if you didn't work fast enough and the tide
went out, you still had the devil to pay but no way of doing
it. Hell of a spot!
(Source: EVER WONDER WHY? By Douglas B. Smith)

and

Not ALL seams were "devils". You might want to check out the "devil strake"
and see why its seams might be hard to pay! Also from the same root would
be "between the devil and the deep blue sea".
Jim Dawson
Lake St. Louis Squadron

2001 Report Of The District Nominating Committee

The District Nominating Committee nominates the following Members for election as District Officers for 2001/2002:

District Commander (D/C) Peter Jennings (Victoria)

District Executive Officer (D/Lt/C) Don Lassey (Sooke)

District Training Officer (D/Lt/C) Margaret Griffin (Saanich Peninsula)

District Administrative Officer (D/Lt/C) Shirley Hamilton (Victoria)

District Secretary (D/Lt) Bev Gerry (Pender Island)

District Treasurer (D/Lt) tba

The District Nominating Committee also nominates the following Members for

election as District Officers, with the rank of District Lieutenant, who, if elected, will have the duties indicated next to their names assigned to them by the District Executive Committee pursuant to District Regulation 6.2.1(a):

Assistant District Training Officer Myra Simpson (Victoria)

Assistant District Training Officer Bryan Fox (Victoria)

District Youth Education Officer Len Fallan (Brentwood Bay)

District Supply Officer John Munton (Juan de Fuca)

District MAREP (Hydrographic) Officer Peter Browning (Juan de Fuca)

District MAREP (Weather) Officer Jim Andrews (Saltspring Island)

District Public Relations Officer Lyle Sauter (Oak Bay)

District Membership Officer Lyle Sauter (Oak Bay)

District Roster Editor tba

District Communications Officer (Webpage) Linda Larsson (Brentwood Bay)

District Environment Officer George Winn (Saanich Peninsula)

Canadian Coast Guard Liaison Ken Weller (Victoria)

District Port Captain Myra Simpson (Victoria)

The District Nominating Committee also nominates the following Member for appointment by the Members as Auditor of the District:

Bill Cave (Tentative), RR#1 1058 Brookview Dr, Victoria BC V9B 5T7, 474-4301

Boatpro Officer Lesley Head (Saanich Peninsula)

VHF Officer Barrie Gilbertson (Victoria)

Assistant Youth Education Officer Jeff Trapp (Juan de Fuca)

District Assistant Roster Editor Diana McBratney (Saanich Peninsula)

(Advertising Coordinator)

District Safe Boating Award Coordinator (tba)

District Historian (tba)

Telephone Answering Service (tba)

Assistant Supply Officer (tba)

The District Nominating Committee advises that, if elected, the Nominee for Commander intends to appoint the following District Executive Members to secondary duties:
Vancouver Island North District Liaison Ken Clarke (Saanich Peninsula)

Pacific Mainland District Liaison Peter Jennings (Victoria)

United States Power Squadrons Liaison John Bishop (Juan de Fuca)

The District Nominating Committee also advises that

(a) the following Member will serve on the District Executive Committee and the District Council by virtue of his position as immediate Past District Commander, and does not require election or appointment:

P/D/C Ken Clarke (Saanich Peninsula)

(b) pursuant to District Regulation 9.15.1, the following Members will serve on the District Nominating Committee for 2002/2003 by virtue of their position, and do not require election or appointment:

P/D/C Ken Clarke (Saanich Peninsula) Chairman

P/D/C John Bishop (Juan de Fuca)

D/C Peter Jennings (Victoria)

Respectfully submitted

Membership News

Classifieds

Attention Members!! A new service offered by CPS list boats for sale, boats wanted, items for sale and items wanted. Try it!! There is a terrific potential here and a service to all our Members! You MUST be a CPS member-subscriber to list a boat.

Web site: http://www.cps-esp.org/webboard/$webb.exe/~public

Half-partnership available in the "Otter", a 30 ft. Monk-type 1959 wooden sedan cruiser with bridge. Fully equipped for cruising and well maintained. Longtime partner is moving. We split everything evenly. $7000 OBO. Berthed at Sidney-North Saanich Marina. Contact Cynthia or Howard at 250-658-3747.

Cleaning out the boathouse or basement? Found some nautical treasures that another boater can use. Take advantage of The Beacon’s economical advertising and call or e-mail your editor to place your FREE ad.

VANCOUVER ISLAND SOUTH DISTRICT

In accordance with Article 11 of the District Regulations you are hereby notified that the Annual General Meeting of Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons, Vancouver Island South District, will be held on

DATE: Saturday, May 12,2001, at 1330

PLACE: Holiday Inn Victoria, 3020 Blanshard St, Victoria, B.C.

for the purpose of

receiving and, if thought fit, approving the minutes of the previous AGM held May 6, 2000.

receiving and, if thought fit, approving the reports of Officers

receiving and, if thought fit, approving the Financial Statements of the District for the twelve month period ending March 31, 2001

receiving and, if thought fit, approving the Auditor's Report

receiving the reports of Squadron Commanders

electing the Officers of the District

appointing the Auditor for the District

considering such further and other business as may properly come before the Meeting.

The Report of the District Nominating Committee will follow, and forms part of this Notice. Article 12 - Eligibility: No member of this District shall be eligible for election as provided in Section 11.6.1 of the District Regulations at any Annual District Conference unless nominated by the District Nominating Committee or by a petition in writing signed by not less than five members of this District who shall confirm the consent of their nominee to such nomination. All such nominations by petition shall be filed with the District Secretary not less than two days prior to the date of the meeting at which such election shall take place.

Dated this 13th day of February, 2001.
D/Lt Shirley Hamilton N

District Secretary

Coming Events

MARCH 4 Spring Student Cruise

MARCH 15 Bridge Meeting at SNSYC 19:30 hours. All members and guests encouraged to attend.

MARCH 17 St. Patrick's Day

MARCH 27 Mail registration deadline for Vancouver Island South District 5th Conference and Annual Gen- eral Meeting.

MAY 11-12 Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons - Vancouver Island South District Fifth Conference and An- nual General Meeting 2001.

Book Review

Item #1:
Rigging wire off 40' sailboat, used on two cruises to Charlottes and
four summers of local powering with very little sailing, never
racing, otherwise sat at the dock, therefore considered in good
condition. Excellent for spares.

*Stainless, #304, size 3/8th. Each at $2.00 per foot. Each includes
swaged eye.
1 piece @ 51', 2 pieces @ 18'3", 2 pieces @ 18'.6"

*Stainless #304, size 5/16th. 2 pieces @ 9'2". Each with swaged
turnbuckle and toggle on each. $1.50 per foot and $50 for hardware
on each piece ($63.50 each piece in total).

*Stainless #304, size 5/16th. 2 pieces @ 37' @ $1.50 per foot.
Each includes swaged eye.

Item#2:
Used hot water heater. Made by Atwood Mobile Products for Seaward
Products of CA.
(213) 944-9841. Model EHM11-SM. Tank Capacity: 10.5US gallons.
1500 watt element. Runs off 110 or marine engine.

Item #3:
Wire cutters, cuts to 1/4" wire. New approx $125. Now $65.00.

Item#4
Espar igniter. #D3L. New, package unbroken. Was $25.40 plus tax.
Now $15.00.

Contact: Sunny Johnson 655-1877, Sidney.