By Dick Slottow

Cabaret By The Bay

The evenings of December 4 and 5 brought to CYC a huge array of entertainers made up of vocalists and instrumentalists, many of whom were previously unknown to the membership. Thanks to the talent and energy of Jackie Taylor, and a couple of months of backbreaking work, the group was whipped into a truly entertaining show. Although it was called "Cabaret By The Bay", it could easily been named "Broadway By The Bay." Dinner music was presented by a quartet we can truly be proud of. Judy Hall, jazz pianist sounds a lot like Oscar Peterson. Too bad she was hidden from view behind the old yet serviceable CYC piano. Working with her was Staff Commodore Bill Canada who played superb jazz support on drums, Espin Skaar on a classic base, and for the Sunday performance only, Harry Blake played renditions of many familiar tunes on tenor sax. These guys were really good. Word has it they play other gigs around Marin, and this writer seriously recommends all jazz lovers attend.

The second bonus for Sunday attendees was the appearance of the St. Francis Yacht Club "Sons of the Sea" male chorus which included Corinthian's Herb Meyer.

Featured in the show were Michael Campbell, Dan Carrico, Esther Lerner Carrico, Robbie Cook, Will Deady, Bjorn Ervell, Bill Kramer, Fred Mattson, Bill Miller, Herb Meyer, Gordon Noble, Ingo Schreiber, Else-Liv Skaar and John and Jackie Taylor. Classical bass Bill Watson, previously seen on Opera Night, appeared as a guest performer. Broadway show tunes and familiar ballads were performed by all soloists. The trio of Bill Miller, Dan Carrico and John Taylor who tackled "Fugue For Tinhorns" from Guys And Dolls and finished together drew huge applause. Most performances were accompanied by pianist Elaine Lang, a quality musician well known in the San Francisco musical circle. Some numbers were accompanied by Judy Hall and the stylish quartet.

The complicated procedure of staging was handled by Tom Maxwell, Hans Anderson, and Jim Brooks, assisted by Matt Gorton who temporarily redirected his boating talents to lights and scenery. Robbie Cook was the producer, Barbara Klein assistant producer, and musical direction was superbly handled by Jackie Taylor. The elegant program was produced by Port Captain Andre Klein.

Surprise of the night was the appearance of Corinthian's Men's Chorus in their first performance. Perhaps, if treated nicely, they may get together again and provide the membership with a few more tunes. Maybe around Christmas time?

Highlight of the evening was "New York, New York" belted out in true Broadway fashion by Jackie Taylor, proving that real talent continues long after professional appearances cease. Although this could be called a "professional appearance", the pay was a little different. The crowded dining room roared approval throughout the evening. It was terrific!

Webmaster's note: don't miss the online video of Cabaret Night at this site's On Camera page. See Also the collection of Cabaret Night photos.

The Annual Meeting

Although an accurate count has not been provided, this was probably the largest Annual Meeting in the 114-year history of Corinthian Yacht Club. Many new members arrived to participate and watch the procedures of the closing of one and opening of another yacht club year. For new members, everything went according to schedule. Commodore Diana Fischer did an excellent job of sticking to the agenda and conducting her final meeting. All the officers and directors previously nominated were elected, and two of the three measures proposed were passed. The one measure which regarded forgiveness or waiver of member debt was defeated. The measure to assess each member $500 was passed, including the 10% penalty for those who wish to meet their assessment over an 11 month period. It was pointed out that a $500 bank loan would cost less than 10% over the same period, but then the club needs the money to finish the elevator and other projects that continue to plague our 1912 built-on-piles clubhouse. Unlike some previous meetings there was a strong feeling of camaraderie. No fights within the building were recorded after the meeting, and at last notice everyone made it home safely. As usual the highlight of the evening was the free first drink paid for by incoming commodore John Bogue. No one counted the drinks, but it's a good bet John will be eating lightly for a few months to come.

The Corinthian Yacht Club Men's Chorus needs an accompanist. A piano player or guitarist would be terrific. Excellent pay, health, vision, retirement and holiday benefits available to the successful applicant. If interested call Jackie Taylor, 435-3702.

Around The World

On December 31, 2000, "The Race" will begin. The object of the event is to find out who can sail around the world the fastest. Announced almost two years ago, the original field has been reduced from about 40 boats to about four or five. Among those planning to participate is PlayStation, the 125 foot catamaran skippered by Steve Fosset. Among the crew is Corinthian Yacht Club Past Commodore Peter Hogg who has been sailing with Fosset's crew since the demise of his boat on the double handed race to the Farallon Islands a few years back. His boat, which crashed into a wave and turtled, was ultimately located at some remote island in the South Seas, but that's another story.

PlayStation, one of the new breed of maxi-cats will soon be the largest of the group. Last March she was rebuilt after 45 feet of her port bow parted from the rest of the boat. Word has it that the rebuilding has made her stronger and faster than ever before. To help with the planned race, Peter Hogg authored the "PlayStation" cookbook designed to keep the 12 -man crew in steaks and chops for the entire voyage.

Steve Fosset, PlayStation owner/skipper states he will not cross the line for The Race if fewer than five boats arrive in Barcelona for the start. If that is the case, PlayStation will go on immediate standby for a Jules Verne (fastest boat around the world start whenever you want) attempt. Of Questionable Interest

Past Commodore Evan Pugh recently won an award for having lived in Belvedere longer than anyone else - 78 years. His family paid less than $5,000 for their house in 1922. Evan became famous in the 1940's when he proposed that Belvedere was so overrun by skunks they should be represented on the City Council. The news media liked the story and it became popular to wear a skunk costume on Halloween. Another resident who was aware of the skunk invasion coined the phrase, "Lord, let us spray!" For those who missed this story, it has nothing to do with Corinthian. The National Liars' Hall of Fame, founded in 1986, has moved from the corner of the Big Table Tavern in Dannebrog, Nebraska, population 320, to the Lille Mermaid gift shop just around the corner. Corinthian does, however, have a few members who have received honorary memberships in this unique organization.

Second Annual Tiburon Mile Swim

On the overcast morning of October 6, 2000 approximately 530 registered swimmers arrived for the one mile swim from Ayala Cove to Sams dock. Sprinkled in the group were world class swimmers Brooke Bennett, three time US Olympic Gold Medallist; open water world record holder Gold Medallist, Liza Hazen; national record holder, Susie Mahoney, International Open Water swimmer from Australia, and John Flanagan, 2000 Olympic Trials Qualifier and Gold Medal World Champion. The elite field of 75 swimmers (13 women and 62 men) competed for a purse of $20,000 in cash and prizes. Without assistance from Corinthian Yacht Club, the race would have been toast. CYC delivered the float, which the finishers could reach, at the end of the line; a large number of members participated in monitoring the swim in rowboats, small motor crafts, and performed services, which assisted the event. Included in the group were Ingo Schreiber, Matt Gorton, John and Rosiland Colver, Dick and Jean Slottow, Jeff McQueen, John Wood, George Berticevich, Craig Swayne, Jim Brooks, Hans Anderson, Mike Roy, and a group of rowers who were so busy they could not be identified. The Corinthian Catering Company provided coffee and donuts in the parking lot prior to the swim.

The race was a tradition at Corinthian Yacht Club until the mid 1950's. It is said that members used to row swimmers across the straits to Ayala Cove so they could race back. Part of the problem was the amount of beer carried in each boat, much of which was consumed by rowers as well as swimmers. After a few years the tradition died due to lack of rowers, swimmers, and beer.

The race began at 9:00 a.m. and had to be completed by 10:00 a.m. to meet ferryboat schedules. Many swimmers were helped into patrolling boats due to fatigue and 62 degree water temperature. But the race was a huge success. The Marin County Sheriffs department sent one of their boats to keep larger boats clear of the area. Kayaks came from Sausalito and other areas to help patrol the swimming area, and the race was blessed with two professional Jet Ski helpers who pulled many swimmers from the water. At the end, the same number of swimmers finished that had started. Those who were picked up due to time constraints were deposited inside the harbor and they completed the race.