NEWSLETTER

Commodore's Message:

No, I'm not the Commodore. However, to get the Organization moving ahead, we agreed to author the first Newsletter.

As I see it, the affiliation should be uncomplicated. A Board of five to seven Directors would include three "officers", elected by the general membership. The officers would be a Commodore, First Mate and Purser. Oxford Yacht Agency (OYA), as an integral member of the organization, will be the sponsor and provide corporate support. The first election should occur at the 2004 Fall Rendezvous. Annual dues will be $25 per boat, consistent with other GB owners associations. Individuals who do not choose to remain members (pay their dues) will be culled from the OYA roster.

Commodore: Coordinates activities for the association. Publish Newsletter three times/year.
First Mate: Membership and Mailings.
Purser: Works together with OYA to maintain Association account.
The Board of Directors will work collectively on the Rendezvous agenda for the following year.

Please give some consideration to volunteering for our Board of Directors.

Thank you,
Geoff Holmes
410.226.0266

Membership News:

The Chesapeake Bay Grand Banks / Eastbay Owners Association is a self-governing association of owners. It is authorized by Grand Banks Yachts, Ltd. as an official owners association, and is proudly sponsored by The Oxford Yacht Agency. It is anticipated that this association will be co-joining with other owner groups to effectively offer shared resources. Communication with other groups will have the benefit of allowing members information about local cruising areas, activities, trips, as well as comradery with fellow owners of Grand Banks vessels. Many ways to save money on products and services for your yacht will be offered through the Association. For information regarding becoming a member of the Owners Association please call Willy Smith at 410-822-8556 or by email at willy@oya.com.

Cruising Reports:
Spring Lawn Party
June 12, 2004

"AND A GOOD TIME WAS HAD BY ALL"!

If you were wondering how our first attempt to have a spring fling went, let me tell you. Since we were sitting on pins and needles awaiting the birth of our next grandchild, and had agreed to be the designated baby sitter, Geoff and I could not attend the June Lawn Party hosted by Joe and Carol Sarnowski. We did, however, call for a report and learned the event was a rousing success. Carole confirmed the weather was perfect and the party was just the right size to be able to get to know each other. The boats that gathered at Dymer Creek, VA were: Castoff, Grand Baron, Joy Ann, La Mer, Lochmaddy, Mustard Seed, Sea Glory and Synergism. With local knowledge and a trusted dinghy, Joe Sarnowski guided each vessel in to the anchorage. If soft shell crabs, a wine and cheese party and historic tour of Irvington are of interest to you, then you would have enjoyed the get together. Our salute to the Sarnowski's for the effort they put into a wonderful weekend.

We look forward to more cruising events with one planned in the northern part of the bay prior to the annual fall rendezvous.

Upcoming Events:

2004 Fall Rendezvous Sept. 29 - Oct 2

We are very excited about this year's agenda. Of special note are the speakers; Dr. James Watson, Orthopedic Surgeon will address emergency care aboard, Lori Ross, a columnist and food editor for Passage Maker Magazine, will lead a discussion on entertaining, cooking aboard and boat keeping. The U.S. Coast Guard will be well represented by both Regulars and Auxiliary. Their expertise will be lines / knots and vessel safety inspection. In answer to many requests, we are providing two opportunities for the members to share their ideas regarding: 1) Boat problems & remedies and 2) anchorages. Of course there will be the Predicted Log Race, but even John Shannahan doesn't know the destination as of this date. We will all be surprised.

The usual venders will be on site to answer your questions regarding "that thing that goes bang in the night". Once again, you will be able to obtain fuel at a discounted price. We have attempted to plan an agenda that will have something for everyone and provide ample opportunity for member discussions and camaraderie. Please plan to attend and bring your valuable boating experiences.

General Information:

Would you believe that Grand Banks Yachts Ltd. recently announced (April 1st) the pending production of a truly amphibious vessel that is billed as a fly-in trawler (FLIT). This closely guarded secret of the corporation will become a new line of trawlers in a highly competitive industry.

Just what is it? The FLIT is a flying boat. It merges the aeronautical qualities of the famous DeHavilland Twin Otter and Dash 8 with the seaworthiness of a GB 36. Weight and displacement were major hurdles, but Kevlar reinforced fiberglass made it possible to reduce the hull weight to 30% of a traditional GB 36. The fold-up wings and two VHF (very high velocity) 800 HP fan jet engines have resulted in a water lift off of less than 600 feet. The FLIT is reported to have a 3,000 nautical mile flight range at a cruising speed of 185 knots. It can land within 1,200 feet and will have an economical water cruising speed of 8 knots.

The FLIT retains all the interior design characteristics and appointments that are common to the GB 36 Classic. Standard options still exist, with respect to galley layout, seating, sleeping quarters, etc. The vessel still has the original helm design, albeit that additional controls and avionics for in-flight performance are fairly prominent. Oh, you will be required to possess a pilot's licenses to legally operate the vessel while in-flight. For further details regarding this exciting new product line, log onto the OYA website at OYA.com.

Our thanks to the Great Lakes Grand Banks Owner's Association for providing this fascinating update.

Yard-Arm Reports:

I have been searching for a marine sealant / bedding compound that even I could use. Some dry too quickly, some too hard, or too difficult to remove when age has taken its toll. To my aid came Kevin Stevens from Dickerson Harbor with not only the product but also suggestions on its use. A tube of SIKAFLEX-291 ($14) was the answer. After taping both top and bottom of the area to be sealed, I ran a bead. Using a clean cloth dampened with mineral spirits, I slid my finger along the bead and much to my surprise, got a professional looking job.

Thanks, Kevin.
Pepper Holmes

Medical Tips:

Some items that serve dual purposes and are found on most cruising vessels:

• Vinegar - provides some relief from sunburn
• Ammonia - soothes insect bites and stings
• Sugar - Sprinkle on the tongue if burned by hot liquid, e.g.; soup.
• Lemon juice (Realemon) - can be used as an antiseptic /cleaner when applied to a cut.

House & Galley Tips:

Nothing tastes better than a piece of fresh fruit as you cruise down the waterway. And, nothing is as disappointing as to find your choice has turned to mush due to mildew.

Try to select the firmest produce at market and when you have it on board, wash it in a bath of soapy water and a weak bleach solution before storage, this will eliminate most critters already growing on the fruit skins and enhance "fruit life". Be sure to rinse the fruit adequately so the soap and bleach residue is eliminated.

New Products news - GB and OYA:

GB46-
With the help of current owners and the Grand Banks dealer network, the 46 has been redesigned. Adding two valuable inches to the cabin house, beautifully molded steps leading to the Flybridge, a new camber to the aft trunk cabin top, and a reconfigured Flybridge, the 46 Classic has gotten a facelift.

Eastbay 49 - Extended Facia
The factory boat has its appeal, but OYA thought an increased helm area would be more effective. Their solution is to extend the facia and window area. The new design improves air conditioning effectiveness, reduces glare and improves ventilation when an aft enclosure is employed. To read more regarding these enhancements go to oya.com

Have something of interest for the next issue?

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