TELLTALES 26 (Apr. 30, 2008)

• Correction: In Telltales 24, where we were talking about the 420 and the Special Optimist sessions, we misspelled Stefan Johnson's name. We know better and we apologize.

• And speaking of those two training periods, an updated list for the 420 class includes Alicia Muscato, Andrew Sosa, Aubrey Khachetoorian, Paul Kreider, Sami Tornese, Ashlyn Weed and Stephan VerHulst. Since we have only four 420's, that means we have only one vacancy left. The Special Optimist session, has Alicia, Sami, Stephan, Ashlyn, Stefan Johnson and Garrett Lawlor so far. However, there is no limit on the number we can take in that class. Once again, the hours will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Friday. So plan to bring your lunch.

• This coming Saturday, RWB and Portsmouth sailors will be racing on a C&C 36 in the Venice Sailing Squadron's regular monthly regatta in the Gulf of Mexico. Green fleeters will sail from 1 to 5 p.m. under the tutelage of Coach Robert. Meanwhile, Andrew Sosa, Aubrey Khachetoorian, Stephan VerHulst and Garrett Lawlor have volunteered to pass out VYBA literature and answer questions at the YMCA's open house from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. We will have a rigged Opti there.

• Jabbo will be teaching an instructors' course for the Edison Sailing Center in Fort Myers on May 10 and May 17, but the Spring Series will continue. A boat load for those going to the annual School's Out Regatta in Tampa will be held after sailing on May 17. Those signed up to go are Aubrey, Andrew, Stephan, Sami, Ashlyn, Alicia and Cara Patete. Deadline for sign-up is May 10.

• On May 31, there will be the first of five parent orientations for the summer program, beginning at 9 a.m. Ashlyn has volunteered to be the demonstrator for the capsize and recovery drill.

• A special training session for Sailing Counselors (doesn't that sound better than 'helpers'?) will start about 10:15 on May 31. Some have asked if previous members could be sailing counselors and as much as we would love to have them participate, our insurance coverage dictates that they must be VYBA members. Thus, if they want to rejoin VYBA, they are most welcome.

• Also on that day, a pizza party is set for noon after which we will prepare boats and sails for our learn to sail sessions. After that, there will be the annual Parents Race with VYBA sailors serving as coaches. "Pull in your sheet Mom!" "What sheet? I don't see a sheet here!" What fun!?!

• Zack Jordan, one of our Green Fleet stalwarts, will miss sailing Saturday, but for a very good reason. It seems he also writes plays and one of his was one of only 50 chosen from 10,000 entries submitted to the Florida Studio Theatre. Therefore, he will be at an awards luncheon.

• An article on the VYBA is featured in the May issue of "Southwinds" magazine. Jin Dietrich (Chloe's mother) took the cover photograph along with three pictures accompanying the story. The cover photo shows Garrett hauling his Opti up on the floating dock and his parents were amazed. "It's the first time we've ever seen him work," Tom and Ellen Lawlor joked.

• Cec Cerutti, our webmaster and member of our board of directors, has resigned, effective Apr. 25. Her son is graduating from Virginia Tech soon and her daughter is scheduled to be married in July. In another personnel note, former VYBA coach Kevin Dooley has accepted a position as waterfront director at St. Andrew's Bay Yacht Club in Panama City and will start in June.

• This is the first of three warnings about our Lost and Found box. After two more warnings, everything in there is going to Goodwill. Come check the contents. If you don't, you may have to buy some items again Ð only this time, it will be from Goodwill, or possibly Nautical Trader.