116 th Annual Cooks & Waiters Weekend

by Cap’n Crunch Saber -- retired Chief Steward

If you were one of the chosen hundred celebrants of this time-honored classic, you shared in one of the best bargains of the year. C&W #116 is now history but the stories, memories and camaraderie shared will long be remembered. Some things, of course, I can’t talk about because I can’t quite remember, thanks to ole Deadeye. The Imperturbable Will and his bar crew remained in full control despite the sometimes three-deep wait for their creative libations. And NO, cute little umbrella drinks weren’t on their agenda!

Horace Wulff, our Executive Master Chef O’Day, kept his ad hoc crew busy supplying tasty surprises. Some wags suggested that his Germanic-Italian fusion cuisine had a hint of fire, but my bet is that it was Dana Hemberger and his sneaky addition of chilies that tipped the taste scale.

How I got promoted to Chief Steward is not going to be discussed here. Suffice it to say I was honored by the Commodore’s request to be Chief Steward, one that came with plenty of suggestions on how the “old guard” used to do it. Charlie White was this year’s Tombstone Custodian but declined when asked to carry the monument up to the ballroom himself. Yes! There were a number of unforeseen challenges but no shortage of helpful talent to bring this in not only over the top but also under budget, which is a miracle in itself.

The task would have been impossible, of course, without my Head Waiter (from Hell), the notorious Alan Smith. Just when praise for him and his waiters was heard, ….they went on a rampage over perceptions of poor pay and ill treatment. The usual generosity of our members eventually smoothed their ruffled feathers and we proceeded on to a grand show direct from the 1880’s.

The “Ladies Oratorical Society”, consisting of five period costumed “Ladies” and their lively piano accompaniment, belted out risqué lyrics that would have done our CYC Grand-Dads proud. Then, there was the traditional Bear. We never saw this fabled Bear, as he was lost in the CYC kelp beds. Many of us stayed on our boats both Friday and Saturday night and wondered if the cold clammy fog was the real thing or just the remnants of partying down.

Before I sign off, I must fire a thunderous salute to Frances, Ian and Ingo. Without their dedication, support and easygoing manner, I would have surely walked my own plank into history as the notorious Humbug of all time. Fellow Members! You are a rummy lot and I love ya for it.

Photo Gallery -- 116th Annual Cooks & Waiters Dinner Click on a thumbnail below to view the full size image...

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