The Mainsheet - February 2026
Channel Islands, Early Spring 2026
The Commodore’s Compass
Friends,
What a month its been! If only July was this warm. I hope everyone has had some sail time between the Santa Anas. Santa Cruz Island is a green tropical paradise with all the wild flowers blooming 6 weeks early. Winter is returning soon enough, so get out soon.
Angie has been hosting a sailing clinic via a webinar created by an Americas cup tactician on Monday nights at the club. We serve a light dinner with sailing secrets at 5 for the next few Mondays. This Monday turkey Paninis on sourdough with tomato soup and cole slaw. Last Monday we has a decent turnout of members with pizza served along a side of strong opinions on mainsail twist. Come on down Its been fun and informative.
Superbowl's are fun and even more fun watching with friends at AYC. The Taylors are hosting this year with grub and grog served; smart money on Seattle of course. ( My sister lives there so I'm obligated).
We have live music again Feb 15th with another Sunday Open Mic at AYC. There are many great musicians that play as well as a few not great, but entertaining none the less, musicians. Serving up burgers and my home made bison Chili . Music starts at 4.
Please pay your dues soon! We take credit card at the bar. Please sign up some dock neighbors if you can. We are pushing a cruising class for Wet Wed. this year, and we have racing memberships available.
Finally, Id like to ask everyone to request your duty days, as seen on the master calendar emailed to you. Email me at chuckmanley@hotmail.com .Starting first week of March I will assign your duty days.
Santa Cruz
2026 SEASON OF SAILING AND EXPLORING
The Vice Commodore’s Comment
Our club has a long history and you are a piece of it. It exists to bring boaters together—whether you’re a racer chasing every regatta, a cruiser who loves exploring the coast, or someone who just enjoys an afternoon sail around the harbor. Power or sail, new boat or classic, experienced captain or learning the ropes—there’s a place for you here. We’re not just a collection of slips and dock boxes. We’re a community of people who share a love for the ocean and everything it offers. But a club is only as vibrant as its members make it. That’s where you come in.I encourage you to dive into what we’ve got going on. Check our website regularly— talk to your fellow members. There is always something happening. Get out and race. If it floats you can race. Maybe just join us for one of our Gina Cruises, where we head out around the oil rig just for the joy of leaving the dock, no racing, no pressure, just good boats and good company. Come to our open mic nights and enjoy music, stories, and fellowship with sailors who’ve become friends. You can listen to all the sailors tales that we all question how it really happened .The truth is, the best experiences this club offers aren’t on the calendar—they’re the moments that happen when members show up and make things happen. The impromptu raft-ups. The advice shared over a beer at the club. The crew you find for that trip you’ve been planning. The friendships that start with “nice boat” and turn into years of shared adventures. So here’s my challenge: Don’t let another weekend pass watching from the dock. Cast off the lines. Take a friend sailing. Join the next club cruise. Come to the Open Mic and share a story. Be part of what makes this club special—the people who love boats, love the water, and love sharing it all together.
See you on the water,
Peter Turpel
Open Mic
Rear Commodore’s News
Hello fellow AYC members!
For the beginning of February. Angie Frausto, Mike Taylor, and I are currently organizing the drive to find sponsors for the club’s activities. We have a master spread sheet of the commercial entities in and around the harbor who have given items in the past and may now also be willing to continue support of AYC. If you have a connection with anyone that has given or may give to the club for promotion during the coming racing season and you are willing to talk to them please let Mike Taylor or myself know so that we can keep track. We would like to have one AYC member be the contact for each donor. We have already received a few items and gift certificates. Your personal contacts make the solicitation much easier than a cold call. Angie can give you the materials that will help you when you meet people in the community. Note that there is a club dinner on the 14th where Angie, Mike, and I will be available to help you with the campaign for sponsors.
There will be a flyer sent out soon announcing the preseason “St Patrick’s” race in March. We are always looking for crew members to serve on the committee boat. This is a great experience for friends and family to get out on the water. Please contact me if you want to step up and be a part of this.
Thanks! Lorenz
Upcoming Events Calendar
Super Bowl LX Watch Party - 02/08/2026
Boatspeed Webinar & Dinner - 02/09, 16, & 23/2026
Club Dinner - 02/14/2026
Open Mic - 02/15/2026
AYC General Meeting and Dinner - 02/28/2026
