Previous issue of the Capstan
December 2007 (.pdf format)

The Capstan – January 2008
January 29, 2008

From the office of the Commodore
Hello to all Polaris members and happy New Year! As promised, here is all the news fit to print for the month of January.
The Capstan is Polaris’s monthly newsletter giving the membership a snapshot of what is happening and what upcoming events are scheduled. Much of the information presented here will also be announced via the Yahoo Groups mailings but several members have indicated a desire to see an integrated monthly letter that summarizes the various activities. If you need additional information please contact any Board Member. As always, paper copies will be available at the meetings.

Comments from the Commodore:

• Elections: The Boar of Director’s elections are coming up soon. I encourage all members to consider serving on the Board. The Club needs the energy and attention of those who have a desire to see the Club succeed and prosper. We need Board Members that can remain focused strategic issues and not become embroiled in short-term divisive distractions. I have had the pleasure of being Commodore of two such Boards and I sincerely hope that this will continue. It can only be so however if good members elect to give of there time and energy. Please consider serving the Club this year.
• Bylaw Change: By now all members should have received the notice of the business meeting next February 19th to vote on a single proposed Bylaw change. If you haven’t gotten your copy yet, please contact Bob Scott, Treasurer immediately. Also contact Maddy (Membership Chairperson) to correct your mailing address.

Jack Prior – Vice Commodore of Sail Report

• BVI Trip: Jack and company returned with lots of stories and pictures. We are already planning next year’s trip to the BVIs and another one to the upper East Coast. See the sail table for details.
• Whale Watching: The Club will be conducting whale watching sails out of San Diego in January and February with the first date set at January 26. In addition Jack will be sailing out of his new marina just north of Ensenada Mexico. Please contact Jack for details on both trips.
• FLIP Tour: On January 15th and 22nd Captain Tom Golfino of Scripps' Flip presented a great tow-part program on San Diego’s unique vessel – FLIP. After the presentation, Tom offered to host a few Polaris members on a tour. At present, we have 25 signed up! Talk about popular! The Commodore is working out a schedule for the month of February. See the sailing table for details.

Nancy Rohal – Vice Commodore of Social Report

• Polaris thanks Bob Butcher (a friend of member Mindy Brock), for hosting the New Year’s Day party. A great time was had by all who attended.
• February 3 Super Bowl Party will happen at Cheryl Rankins’ home at 388 Camino Elevado Bonita from 2pm to 6pm. Cheryl’s phone is (619) 421-2246. Rules of engagement: BYOB; $3.00 cost; bring a side dish; Polaris will provide barbeque beef. 
• February 9, 11:00 am to 1:00 pm tour of Scripps Institute of Oceanography. Hosted by Kirk Gardner, this is a “don’t miss” event. Sign up at the social table.
• Thursday, February 14th will be a dinning out event at a Greek restaurant including Greek dancing. More information to follow shortly.

Jean Callahan – Vice Commodore of Programs

• I hope you all have enjoyed the programs this past month – hopefully we can see the FLIP in person (see above). Thanks so very much to Debra Rafdal for scheduling Captain Tom Golfino to speak to Polaris.
• On the calendar next month is Garry Cihak who is the manager of Sales and Operations at Kohler Kraft (the largest family-owned yacht repair company in San Diego). He will speak about boat maintenance on February 5th. Thanks to Junior Staff Commodore Elaine Krott and Joanne Woodruff for passing his name on to me.

And that’s all there is for now
See all of you on the water
Roger Fitzwilson, Commodore (770) 335 0382