Catalina Fleet Of Santa Monica Bay
Whites Cove Cruise
Balboa YC Facility, Catalina Island
October 18-20, 2002

The weather cooperated, the surf cooperated and even the buffalo cooperated this weekend for the twelve boats that participated in this annual event. Once again Balboa Yacht Club's hospitality was abundant as their caretaker, Mike assured cold beverages and hot charcoals when needed. Craig and Mary Anne Fritzsche (Just Kidding) hosted the Fleet consisting of Aphrodisiac (Norm & Charlene Perron), Creme Brulee (Al & Lisa Casal), Jammin (Jim & Marla Forrest), Lucky Duck (Dave & Jan Polancic), Lucky Lady Too (two of our newer members Joe & Sharon Boyle), Scootchee (Brian and Tannis Frankish), Sea Jane Sail (Jane Frazier and guest Sandee), Sea Trek n.g. (John & Nancy Celick and guests Eric & Cinamon Sorensen), Selkie (two of our newest members Walter & Karen Burnett), Whirligig (Jim Mitchell & Meryle), and Windborne (Hal Avery).

Boats started arriving Friday with room for everyone on a mooring. Saturday was a busy day with pumpkin carving - fourteen entries - a record for the Fleet. We found five impartial judges who actually named the five winning pumpkins: "The Sailboat" carved by Sandee, "Wilson" carved by Karen (with supervisory support from Marla), "The Nose" carved by Norm, "African Mask" carved by Hal, and "Betty Boop" carved by Mary Anne.

The much anticipated volleyball finals between the East and the West teams headed by captains John and Craig were as exciting as any major US sporting event. Hall of Famer Dave Polancic refereed, although there were rumors that he accepted payola from the East (or was it West - ?) team! No injuries to report. While ten of us competed for the Catalina Fleet of Santa Monica Bay National Volleyball Title, several women preferred the more serene choice of exercise - yoga on the beach. Certainly there were fewer cuss words at that event than at volleyball!

After a busy afternoon, we appreciated happy hour and dinner. The abundance of beer and wine provided by Bill Felgenhauer of Garhauer Marine was greatly appreciated, along with various hors'douvres and shared dishes contributed by our members. We even roasted pumpkin seeds.

Sunday rolled around way too soon. We all left with another wonderful memory of a safe passage, an appreciation for our beautiful island, Catalina, and gratitude to BYC.

Be sure to click on the thumbnails for larger photos

Time to get outa here    Hal takes his pumpkin carving seriously  Not bad for 1st time Whites carvers (Joe & Sharon)  Charlene & Mary Anne  Winning carver in action (Sandee)  Dave  Tannis & Brian  Charlene & Janie pickin pumpkin seeds to roast  The Nose  Andrews favorite pumpkin  Yoga on the beach  Part of Balboa YC facility  View from Lovers bench      14 pumpkins--a record    Winners: Norm, Hal, Mary Anne, Sandee, Karen, Marla

Feel free to direct any comments to Norm