Micki McNaughton, our Secretary and keeper of our archives, has been looking at our history and finding things worth reprinting. Here are two more. Spelling is as it was in the original and in the spirit of seamen of old.
Should reading this account stimulate memories, we would be very happy to hear from you. Nor does it have to be about the 1970’s; we are interested in all of the Club’s history.
March 1975
Cruise News
If one is going to age a year overnight, I recommend the following method:
First of all, your spouse must enthusiastically propose an impromptu cruise "a deux", having ascertained that the weather forecast for the weekend is a gloomy one. Then you must respond with equal enthusiasm and, taking your lighthearted, unsuspecting self to the nearest supermarket, load up with all sorts of goodies for two, preferably non-spoilable, since you won’t get to eat them anyway.
Upon arriving at your destination, you should carefully pick a safe and private moorage, since, you will be thinking, this is turning into a sort of "honeymoon" cruise. Settled snugly for the evening, the kerosene lamps burning cheerily, your doting spouse will mix the cocktails while you arrange the few hors d’oeuvres you so carefully chose. After a toast to each other and an exchange of congratulations on trading civilization for such cozy seclusion, you must then BE ALERT!
Because, it is at this point, that this "method" I am recommending will turn into "madness".
Boats will start appearing out of the darkness and friends who normally avoid winter cruising like the plague will surround you, extolling the virtues of this particular wet and chilly weekend for a cruise.
Later, you will find yourself packed, along with thirteen (more or less) others in someone’s smoky cabin, eating chocolate cake with your scotch (this must be done on an empty stomach in order to be properly appreciated), singing "Happy Birthday" to yourself and feeling 20 years younger than you will the next day. However, if you are as fortunate as I in having thoughtful friends, they will take pity on you, waking you bright and early later on that morning to fill your complaining stomach with a big breakfast and large doses of champagne.
Now, if you should try this and survive, I can guarantee you one thing: You won’t feel as old as I did the next day!
----P. Byrd
May 1977
Cruise Info
Stretch Island Falls!!
Dateline Olympia. Authorities announced today that on April 23 1977, Stretch Island, a small atoll located at the north end of Case Inlet, was successfully invaded by a SSSS armada consisting of 16 sailing vessels.
In a well-coordinated and executed plan, a small diversionary strike force, consisting of SWIRL II, ORCA, SEA WITCH, and TINKA landed on the west side of the island. Simultaneously, landing parties from the Main Task Force put ashore on the north end and completed a forced march to the atoll strong-hold (St. Charles Winery) where a peaceful surrender was negotiated.
Smoke and firelight from the numerous campfires dotting the beach, along with tents erected by occupation forces, could be viewed from the vessels at anchor well into the evening.
It was also reported that many a ship’s captain celebrated the victory by sharing the spoils and other booty with crew.