Racing, Cruising, and Casino-ing … and Club Chronicle #8

The Buzz
Newsletter of The Club at Westpoint
Tuesday, May 16th, 2023

In The Buzz today:

The latest Club Chronicle from Neal Doten
This weekend race and cruise out to Ballena Bay
And for those staying home, the PYSF Casino night in Los Altos

And a wonderful note from the captain and crew of s/v Kay of Göteborg.

“Mark,

“What a wonderful weekend! An opportunity to sail my boat to a top-notch marina and be hosted by some extraordinarily terrific people. Welcomed from the moment we arrived, treated to a fine dinner and always entertained by a true community of Westpoint Club members. I even found a surprise gift in my cockpit while headed out to the channel! Your kind invitation and generosity are much appreciated.

“Many thanks!

“Neil s/v Kay of Göteborg”

May through June at The Club

May
Friday, 19th – Friday Fun Series, race #2
Friday, 19th to Sunday 21st – Cruise-out to Ballena Bay
Saturday, May 20th – PYSF Spring Fund Raiser
Thursday, May 25th – Towel Day calling all Hitch Hiker’s Guide to the Galaxy Fans for Pan Galactic Gargle Blasters
Monday, May 29th – Memorial Day

June
Thursday, June 9th – Board Meeting
Saturday, June 10th – The welcome return of Scott Kirby in concert
Friday, June 16th – Friday Fun Series Race #3
Sunday, June 18th – Father’s Day
Friday, June 30th – Friday Fun Series Race #4

Cruise Out to Ballena Bay
May 19th to 21st

Hello Cruisers,

Our next cruise out is a month away to Ballena Bay YC, the weekend of May 19-21, 2023.

SKIPPERS – Ballena Isle uses Dockwa, please make a reservation on dockwa BEFORE submitting your cruise out sign up! Please register here. Fill out the info for “Book a Stay.” You will go through several screens answering questions about your boat – LOA, beam, draft, and credit card for slip payment, and to login if you have to have a Dockwa account. IMPORTANT – In one of the final screens you will see a field called “Special Requests” – please type in: The Club at Westpoint visiting BBYC.

Once you have your reservation request email with reservation number, please complete the cruise out sign up… you will need your reservation number.

For information about the cruise out, and to sign up, go here:

Let me know if you have any questions.

Shannon Amerman

Sail the Riviera: PYSF Fundraiser
May 20th, 6:00 to 9:00 pm
Los Altos Community Center

Come and Sail the Riviera (without getting on a plane). This is a Casino Party to Support PYSF.

Saturday, May 20th from 6:00 to 9:00 pm at the Los Altos Community Center, 97 Hillview Avenue, Los Altos.

Experience all the fabulous French food and drinks while playing Casino games of the Riviera with the Peninsula Youth Sailing Foundation.

Mingle with other fabulous PYSF parents and members of the local sailing community. Share yor love and support for PYSF and being friends for an unforgettable evening of fun!.

Event tickets are $150 (General Admission) are available here and each ticket includes $200 of “casino” money.

Can’t make it? You can still donate any amount or give through many levels of sponsorship here.

Club Chronicle #8:
The Bubbling Washing Machine
by Neal Doten

The Bubbling Washing Machine

What does one see when walking the streets of “downtown” beyond the gate of Marina La Cruz? Neon lights? No. Fancy storefronts? No. Signage that works in any language? Yes!

While wandering around the town of La Cruz – on Banderas Bay, but north of Puerto Vallarta – I was in search of a laundromat. Even when cruising on a sailboat, one cannot avoid the creation of dirty laundry or the need to wash it. Everywhere I looked down the streets, there were no signs that said “laundromat” either in English or Spanish. There’s gotta be one somewhere!

Here’s where one needs to be more observant. Look for painted signage that uses a “logo” (for lack of a better word). Look at the walls of buildings. Doing so, I discovered the “bubbling washing machine” — the answer to my need for clean clothes and other stuff.

As you can see in the photo, the simple sign painted above the sidewalk entrance to the “laundromat” said it all without the need for English or Spanish! Very creative.

Stepping up to the counter at the entrance, I saw the two ladies surrounded by their machines, tables, and laundry. My friendly smile and “buenas dias” opened the transaction which went surprisingly well in spite of my rudimentary Spanish. Dropping off in the morning may prepare it for pick-up in the afternoon unless they are swamped.

As for the cost of their services, I don’t remember exactly. However, like many local services provided in small coastal towns of Mexico, trust me when I say it would have still been a bargain at twice the price. I had no qualms about placing a generous “propina” (tip) in the can on the table.