TELL TALES No. 9

• A couple of special events that involve parents and sailors alike are happening Saturday.

• First; all parents are cordially invited to meet at the Pram Shed at 0930 to decorate it. John Thomas has brought in the lights and it should take about two to two and a half hours.

• Second; parents are invited to form a committee to help with VYBA's entry in the annual Christmas Boat Parade. Jim Liston of the Venice Yacht Club has graciously offered his 34-foot sailboat so VYBA can participate. Parents can take a look at the boat which is over by Fleet's Inn and come up with some creative ideas. The boat will be shifted to the canal by the VYC in time for the decorating party; but this project must be completed by Nov. 30. The parade is Dec. 1.

• This is a good time for parents and sailors to start grabbing some Christmas spirit. Red; White and Blue sailors should bring their lunch Saturday because Capt. John Thomas has planned a picnic at the North Jetties about noon. Green Fleet will sail 0800 until 1200; as usual.

• And don't forget; Saturday is boat load day for those going to the Thanksgiving Regatta at Tampa's Davis Island Yacht Club on Nov. 24-25.

• Another US Sailing Association Junior Olympics Festival is slated for the USSA's sailing center at Jensen Beach on Dec. 8-9. This was not on our original schedule; but we will post a sign-up sheet for those who may be interested. It is across the state; but it is a Junior Olympics event.

• Two VYBA sailors raced at the Naples Cup Regatta last weekend. Cara Patete was 47th out of 92 Red; White and Blue skippers; and 26th in the Red Fleet; which is for 13 to 15 year olds. Aubrey Khachetoorian came in 59th out of 111 in the Green Fleet. Justin Doane; formerly of VYBA but sailing for the host Naples Community Sailing Center; finished fifth out of 40 in the Laser Radials.

• Capt. John Thomas is working on a way for our sailors to crew aboard bigger boats when the Venice Sailing Squadron holds its monthly races in the Gulf of Mexico. This has been done in the past; but not too many of our sailors took advantage of this opportunity to learn more.

• VYBA sailors are encouraged not to venture into the Bitter Ends' part of the Pram Shed. There should be no reason for you to be over there. If you think there is; check with a coach first.

• Some confusion has occurred regarding starting times for practices and regattas. Once again; the Green Fleet runs from 0800 to 1200; the Red White and Blue goes from 0900 to 1600 and the Portsmouth Division sails from 1300 to 1700. However; our day-long regattas; such as the Jim Pique Memorial; the Crow's Nest; the Jabbo Gordon Regatta etc. start at 0830.

• We have new regatta sails; complete with new sail bags. They have new name tags as do the blade bags. Please keep the tags on the bags. And if you put your wind indicator in the blade bag for transportation purposes; don't forget to remove it from the bag after you return. We are still missing blade bag No. 17. Please look around and see if you have it in your gear some place.

• When you go away for a regatta; please register as a member of the VYBA; not the Venice Yacht Club. While we are on the grounds of the yacht club; we are not part of that organization.

• All of the old Optimists have been sold. Seven went to live with the Edison Sailing Center.

• Please do not leave any water bottles -- or other drink containers on the shell pit by the 420's. Place any bottles and cans in the recycle can; not to be confused with the trash barrel.

• If any of you know someone who would like to take learn to sail next summer; tell a coach.