TELL TALES -- No. 2 Ð July 31, 2007 By Jabbo Gordon

1. Old business

• So far, we have only three applications for our coach opening, and two of them are from Argentina. The third application comes from the east coast of Florida.

• To my knowledge, no one has checked the lost and found. Going onceÉgoing twice.

• The annual Hula Cup, which is for female sailors only and hosted by Sarasota's Luffin' Lassies, has been scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 7. Skipper's meeting will be in the morning.

B. New business

• We are missing two blade bags. If anyone knows where they might be, please tell us.

• We are looking for a volunteer who would wash all the blade bags as well as the sail bags before the new regatta season begins, which will be Sarasota's Labor Day Regatta.

• Venice Yacht has requested that we not park trailers and boats on the east side of the Pram Shed on Friday evenings because that's a big night for the club and the club parks cars there.

• The club will be closed Aug. 5-20, and much renovation will be taking place.

• A Level 1 (small boat) instructor's course is scheduled for Venice on Aug. 13-16. Jackie Sims and Blake Waldron are two VYBA skippers who will be participating. This class is full.

• The last day of this year's Learn to Sail program will be Friday, Aug. 10. On Saturday, Aug. 11, there's a full day for everyone, including the new Ernest Green Fleet sailors. In the morning, there will be boat assignments for Optis and 420's. Then there will be a clean-your-boat and rig your sails party. In the afternoon, Sammy Waldron has scheduled a Scavenger Hunt.

• Looking ahead further:

Aug. 18 Ð Fall series race No. 1

Aug. 25 Ð Fall series race No. 2 and boat load

Sept. 1-2 Ð 61st annual Labor Day Regatta, Sarasota

Sept. 8 Ð Fall series race No. 3 and annual dinner in the evening

Sept. 15 Ð Fall series race No. 4

Sept. 22 Ð Fall series race No. 5

Sept. 29 Ð Fall series race No. 6

• The VYBA board of directors has adopted a policy that affects the Portsmouth fleet, especially in regard to our 420's. Please read carefully.

1. No coaching or supervision will be provided by VYBA at regattas.

2. Sailors of these boats, including 420's, are to transport their boats to regattas.

3. Sailors are responsible for the boat they are borrowing from VYBA and its parts. Sailors are responsible for ensuring they have all the required sailing equipment for regattas before they leave VYBA. Return of all equipment is the responsibility of the sailor.

4. Requirements for sailing the Portsmouth Fleet in the year-round program (including 420 boats) are: Completion of one year in Green Fleet and one year in Red, White and Blue Fleet. In order to sail a 420 year-round, two individuals must sign up as a team together. They will be assigned a boat and equipment and they will be responsible for its care.

• Here are the current standings in the Summer series. Ben Mohney and Molly McKinney are tied for first in the Portsmouth division while Cara Patete leads the Opti sailors.