Author: lynnehammett

Twenty-two cruising class boats — separated into three classes — participated in the Inverted Start Cruiser’s Handicap hosted by the Santa Monica Windjammers Yacht Club Sunday, July 31st. Three boats sailed in the Spinnaker division. Ten boats made up the “Over 30” class and nine boats competed in the “Under 30” class. The “Inverted Start” sequence allows the slowest boat to start first — based on handicap — and the faster boats later, in a staggered start fashion. The object is to have the boats all finish together. At the start, calm seas and breezes of about 12 knots greeted the beginners. As the afternoon passed, the breezes built to about 18 knots and the seas got choppy, causing an accidental jibe to take place aboard the boat Sunshine. A crewmember was hit by the boom and knocked overboard. Ray and Eva Durand aboard Belleza did fast recovery work, as they dropped out of the race, immediately recovered the floating crewmember and brought her directly to shore. No injuries were sustained. However, this again reinforces the need to wear life jackets for one’s own protection at all times. When the calculations were completed, the following trophies were presented: First place in the Spinnaker Class, Bruce Bilson, California Yacht Club, sailing Celebrity. “Over 30”: first place, Mark Abzug, South BayYacht Racing Club (SBYRC), Sun Flair; second place, Jim Vasilion, Santa...

The South Coast Corinthian Yacht Club (SCCYC) hosted the One Design Weekend for five fleets on Saturday and Sunday, July 23rd and 24th — Cal 20s, Martin 242s, Schock 35s, Santana 20s and J-80s. Four boats entered the Cal 20 class. The Martin 242s competition had five boats. Two Schock 35 boats participated and the newcomer J-80 fleet had six boats. Six boats were in the J-80 class. SANTANA CLASS — Sunday was the only day the Santana 20 class could join the competition. Therefore, the race committee complied with the need for three races to qualify for this event and the two Schock 35 boats enjoyed great competition on Saturday, along with wandering breezes and the opportunity of challenging the race committee to keep boats straight at the finish line. When the points were totaled, Mike Cheda, Laura Andress and Bruce Fleck of SCCYC, sailing Bandit had finished first in all three events and that told the trophy story for this fleet. J-80S CLASS — In the J-80s class, Curt Johnson, California Yacht Club, sailing Avet took home first place and David Novick, California Yacht Club (CYC), skippering USA 702, received second place. SHOCK 35 CLASS — In the Shock 35 class Saturday, Fred Young, Santa Monica Windjammers Yacht Club (SMWYC) with his crew aboard Perfect Circle and Tom McQuade, CYC, and his Power Play crew enjoyed match...

Sheriff’s Sgt. Gary L. Thornton was honored at a retirement party Tuesday, July 26th, at Santa Monica Windjammers Yacht Club. Thornton spent 33 years with the county and at various times was assigned to county offices in Santa Clarita and Malibu, as well as Marina del Rey. Over the years, his titles changed from watch commander to dive team leader to assistant harbormaster. In May 1997, he became assistant harbormaster at the Marina del Rey Sheriff’s Station. Earlier, he had been a member of the County Department of Beaches and Harbors when the Harbor Patrol was part of that county department. Thornton and his wife, Toni, plan to keep their 12-meter Trojan powerboat in the Marina. Thornton received letters and scrolls of congratulations, including a letter from President Bush “commending Sgt. Thornton for his safety and courage and participation in bringing criminals to justice.” A letter to Thornton also came from Governor Schwarzenegger. Sheriff’s Commander Willie Miller presented Thornton with the Distinguished Service Award and Medal on behalf of his associates in the Sheriff’s Department. Sheriff’s Capt. Sam Dacus, former commanding officer of the Marina del Rey Sheriff’s Station presented Thornton with the Sheriff’s Relief Association...